Chapter 1 On my son Marvin Gardner's third birthday , my mother - in - law Margaret Webb had one drink too many and wouldn't stop smothering him with kisses . She pinched Marvin's chubby cheeks while slurring to my husband , Tommy Gardner . " This boy is something else . His eyes and brows are just like yours, but his nose and mouth ... " She paused , squinting at my younger sister , Jessica Walsh , who was peeling an apple beside me . " His nose and mouth look exactly like hers !" Everyone in the room froze . The only sound left was the cartoon blaring from the television . Jessica's hand jerked . Tommy's face turned dark in an instant . He jumped up and snapped at Margaret , " Mom ! You're drunk . Stop talking nonsense ! " I sat on the couch , watching them , and smiled . " She's not wrong . " I tilted my head toward the pale - faced Jessica and Tommy , who couldn't meet my eyes . " I've always wondered why Marvy looks so much like Jessica . " 11 : 550 Chapter 1 Tommy panicked more than I expected . 281 Vouchers He practically lunged forward , snatching Marvin from Margaret's arms as if he were afraid I would look too closely . " Don't listen to her , " he said stiffly with his back to me . " She's old and confused . Everyone looks alike to her now . " Jessica scrambled to her feet , forcing a smile . " Annie , Margaret was just joking . Kids change every day . No one can say for sure who they look like yet . " Really ? For three years , I had buried a thought too terrifying to admit , but in that moment , it came rushing back . Marvin was the child I carried for ten months and nearly died bringing into the world . But from the day he was born , he never resembled me . Everyone said he took after Tommy . I repeated that to myself too , until I almost believed it . But as Marvin grew , his features sharpened , and the shadow of Jessica appeared clearer on his face . The same almond - shaped eyes , the dimple that showed in the same spot when he smiled , even the little pout when he slept - it was all her . I once convinced myself it was just family resemblance . After all , she was my sister . But with one careless remark tonight , Margaret ripped away the illusion I had been fooling myself with . 19 212 11:55 Chapter 1 " Alright , that's enough . Everyone , sit down . " I stood calmly , took a tissue from the coffee table , and walked over to Jessica . I gently pressed the tissue to her bleeding hand . " How did you get so careless ? " My tone was soft , but my gaze lingered on her ashen face . She avoided my eyes , stammering , " I ... I'm fine , Annie . " Tommy stood frozen , clutching Marvin like a shield . 298 Vouchers I smiled and turned to him . " Dinner's ready . Wash his hands and let's eat . My voice was so even , it was as if nothing had happened . Relieved , he hurried into the bathroom with Marvin . Dinner was unbearably quiet . Margaret seemed to realize she had said too much and kept her head down , eating in silence . I , on the other hand , played the perfect hostess - serving Marvin food , pouring soup for Tommy , even asking Jessica about her work with a smile . The calmer I acted , the more uneasy they became . The meal felt like a silent execution . Afterward , Tommy rushed to wash the dishes , while Jessica muttered something about urgent work and hurried to leave . " Wait , " I said . 44 20 % 11:55 Chapter 1 She froze at the doorway . I pulled out a bag and filled it to the brim with cherries from the fridge before handing it to her . " Take these . You've always loved them . " Her hands trembled as she accepted the bag , eyes lowered . " Thanks , Annie . " 28 Vouchers " You're welcome . " I brushed a strand of hair from her face , leaning close enough for only her to hear . " Jess , next time you come over , don't wear perfume . You know Marvy is allergic to that one . Her body stiffened , pupils tightening in shock . I straightened and patted her shoulder with a smile . " Drive safe . " When the door clicked shut , the smile on my face faded . From the kitchen came the sound of running water . Tommy was at the sink , washing dishes , his broad back familiar and comforting . He was the person I had always felt safest with . I stared at him for a long moment before speaking . " Tommy . " He froze mid - motion . " Do you remember when I had Marvy ? When I hemorrhaged so badly that the doctors issued a critical alert ? " He didn't turn around . His voice was low and strained , " I remember . " I continued . " I was lying in that hospital bed , thinking I was going to die . 11 : 550 Vachers Chapter 1 I grabbed your hand and told you something . Do you remember what it was ? " His shoulders twitched slightly . I went on . " I said ... If I died , you had to raise Marvy well . He's our child . I risked my life for him ... " " Stop it ! " The NOW He spun around suddenly , his face etched with pain , eyes red - rimmed . " Angeline , you're not going to die ! We're a family . We'll be fine ! " I looked at him and , unexpectedly , smiled . " Tommy , " I asked , carefully , word by word . " Is there something you've been hiding from me ? " 1155