My mother stood in front of me like a stranger.
"Join me," she repeated.
My chest felt tight.
"And become like you?" I asked.
Her face didn't change.
"Become strong."
Behind me Daniel whispered:
"Don't trust her."
She ignored him.
"You can either control your life… or be controlled."
Silence filled the warehouse.
For the first time I understood something clearly.
Everyone who tried to control me lost themselves.
Daniel.
Nora.
Victor.
Now her.
I slowly shook my head.
"I won't become you."
Her eyes hardened.
"Then you chose the hard way."
And suddenly I knew…
This wasn't over yet.