“No!” Colin said. “I don’t use it much because of my back. You’ve seen my father’s hunchback; well, mine is the same, only much worse. I’ve never been able to walk.” He sighed deeply. “Mary, I’m afraid to say your cousin is dying!”

The words sprang out of Mary’s mouth before she could stop them. “You don’t look like someone who’s dying.”

Colin sniffed peevishly. “How many dying people have you seen?”

Mary didn’t answer. Her mind was too busy turning over what he’d just said. If he really was dying, why didn’t he look more ill? She’d only seen him sitting in bed, but he didn’t appear to have a really bad hunchback. And why did he sound almost proud that he was dying? Something wasn’t right.

“We could go outside?” she suggested. “That might make you feel better.”

“Outside?” Colin echoed as if she’d suggested going to the moon. “I can’t do that.” He put a hand dramatically to his throat. “They tried to take me outside once, and the stench of the roses nearly killed me!”

Mary couldn’t hold back her grin. “You’re telling me you’re afraid of flowers?” Her cousin glared at her. “That really isn’t very sensible.”

She could see he was cranky that she wasn’t taking him seriously.

“What if I was to tell you that there’s a paradise out there?” she went on. “Where the birds sing for you and a friendly dog plays with you?”

“I’d say you were lying,” Colin said. “And,” he went on, his voice rising, “I’d say that I’m not interested, even if you are telling the truth. I am not interested in anything outside!”

“But . . .” Mary began.

Colin turned away. “I’m tired now. You may go.”

Mary’s mouth dropped open. How dare he order her around, particularly after she had just told him something so wonderful! “What?”

“I’m tired,” Colin repeated. “Please leave.”

“No.” Mary folded her arms and felt a stab of satisfaction as Colin gave her a shocked look. He clearly wasn’t used to having his commands ignored. “I am not your play toy, to be put down when you choose!” she told him.

“You came here to me. I didn’t invite you,” he said.

“I told you secrets,” she retorted. “About my magic place.”

“Secrets I didn’t care to know of!” He sat bolt upright. “Now get out and leave me alone,” he ordered, pointing to the door.

“Oh, you’re insufferable!” Mary snapped, marching over to it.

“And you use words you don’t understand!” Colin exclaimed.

Mary looked back, and their eyes met. In that moment, Mary felt a strong connection surge between them. We’re really quite alike, she realized suddenly. Not in all ways but in some. We . . . we belong together.