Look-alike

The funeral was — well horrible… Nadia couldn’t stop crying. The mere look at Alice lying in the open casket left her in ugly tears. Neera was furious. She needed justice…

Alice was pale white. Cold. Pretty. Make-up unlike anything she would ever wear. She looked like a doll. Unsmiling.

Neera took Nadia into a side room, “You got to control yourself…”

“I’m sorry,” Nadia said, crumbling.

A woman entered the room. Alice? But Alice was never that neat looking.

“You must be Alice’s friends… Good to see you Neera… And you are?” The lookalike said.

“N-Nadia…”

“Nadia. I’m Katherine. Alice’s older sister…”

“I’m glad Alice’s had such good friends,” she said.

It was evident that Katherine had been crying as well. Red marks under her eyes. She looked just like Alice - just a bit different. She was neater with long black hair. Paler skin. No freckles.

“I miss her…” Nadia broke out into tears.

This triggered Katherine and even Neera to cry. They hugged and she felt like Alice. A similar scent. Nadia’s pain easing. But she couldn’t pretend.

Alice was gone.

“If you ever need anything— call me,” Katherine said.