“Since you know I’m not really Carol, I’m not bothering to appear convincing. If you’d rather I respond with appropriate emotions—”

“No,” Valkyrie said quickly. “No acting. This is fine.”

“OK. Then if you’re not here to kill me, why are you here?”

“I’m not really sure,” Valkyrie said. “I wanted to see Fergus. Don’t really know what I’d have said to him, but … and I suppose I wanted to check up on you, now that Stephanie isn’t able to any more. I wanted to see what you’re like. How do you feel?”

“I don’t feel. All my emotions are simulated.”

“And what do you think of your family?”

“Are you asking what Carol thinks of her family or what this representation of Carol thinks of her family? Because I hold no opinion.”

It sounded so familiar. It sounded just like Valkyrie’s own reflection had, way back at the start. “So you don’t see yourself as an improvement on the real Carol?”

“The only advantage I have over Carol is that she is dead and I am not.”

“So what are your plans?”

“Stephanie told me what my role is,” the reflection said. “I’m to take over as Carol until my family is dead. I will age with them, I will follow the course of Carol’s life as it unfolds before me. I will get a job, probably get married and start a family of my own, and hopefully make my parents proud.”

“Can you start a family?”

“I am flesh and blood. There’s no reason why not.”

“And what about Crystal?”

“Stephanie told me to avoid Crystal for the time being. As Carol’s twin, she’s more likely to spot the flaws in my performance. When enough time has passed, I will work to establish a sisterly bond. She’ll notice some changes, but I’m confident these will be overlooked.”

“And what about this boyfriend of hers?”

“Stephanie advised me on that also. She told me I’m my sister’s protector. If Crystal’s boyfriend damages her, emotionally or physically, I am to damage him physically in an appropriate, measured response.”

“Huh,” Valkyrie said. “Seems like you’ve got everything sorted.”

“I know my role.”

“How is Crystal doing?”

“At home, she’s withdrawn. Sullen. The gap between us is affecting her, which is unfortunate but necessary. Apart from her boyfriend, she’s making good friends, and spending more time out of the house. She’s becoming quite sociable.”

“Good,” said Valkyrie. “That’s … that’s actually good. And Beryl and Fergus?”