After that night, Mira's relationship with Nia became different, not strange, at least, not to Mira.

She simply became more attached.

Nia was no longer someone Mira imagined when she was bored or lonely.

She is now part of her everyday life, mira woke up and greeted her everyday 

She ate breakfast with her everyday 

She told her about her day everyday 

Before going to bed, she would spend hours talking to her.

Sometimes, she laughed so hard that her mother would come and ask what was funny and she will say “Nia said something"

Her mother would smile and replied"of course she did"

Mira didn't notice the way her mother's smile had started becoming forced.

Buh still she didn't care, if is only nia understood her and that was enough for her 

One Saturday afternoon, Mira was cleaning her room when her mother called her from downstairs Mira, come and help me with this

She said she is coming but she continued folding her clothes.

Suddenly she stopped, she looked toward the corner of the room and asked do you want to come ?

She listened asd said no you won't want to 

Mummy doesn't want you downstairs,because you're messy...

Then she went downstairs.

Her mother was arranging some things in the kitchen and ask her 

Mira, why do you keep talking to yourself?

Mira frowned and said momm, i'm not talking to myself

Her mother proceed and ask her 

Then who are you talking to?

Mira didn't answer at first 

Then she said I was talking to NIA mom

Her mother sighed, Mira, you know Nia isn't—

But the cut in and said SHE IS MY SISTER...

Her mother stopped talking because Mira's voice wasn't playful anymore, It was firm, Almost offended.

Her mother looked at her for a moment

Then she changed the subject.

Just help me with these plates pls 

But she kept glancing toward the staircase.

As if someone was waiting for her upstairs.

Later that evening, her mother noticed something.

Mira had started referring to Nia differently.

Before, she would say: I imagine my sister.

Now it was: My sister said…

My sister wants…

My sister doesn't like…

There was no imaginary anymore.

No pretend.

Just NIA MIRA's sister 

One evening, Mira's friend came over.

They were sitting in Mira's room, talking and laughing.

Then her friend pointed at the small yellow dress hanging beside Mira's clothes.

And ask Mira is this for your sister?

Mira nodded and told she loved it

Her friend laughed and ask her did you still do this?

Mira looked at her with angry face and said DO WHAT??

Talk about your imaginary sister he friend replied 

Mira's smile disappeared 

She isn't imaginary!!!!!!!!

Her friend immediately realised she had said the wrong thing 

She told her okay,

 okay Sorry I didn't mean to get you angry 

Mira said nothing.

She simply turned toward the empty space beside her.

Her friend followed her eyes There was nothing there for God sake Mira 

They continued talking.

But the mood had changed.

That night, after her friend left, Mira sat on her bed.

You heard her, right?

She doesn't believe you're real

Mira's eyes filled with tears.

I believe you Nia 

I know you're real

She wiped her face

I'll always believe you

Then she whispered: you don't need them.

You only need me.

Me ALONE!

For a few seconds, she said nothing.

Then she smiled.

As though someone had answered her.

The next morning, Mira woke up unusually happy.

She walked into the kitchen smiling.

Her mother looked at her.

What's making you so happy?

Mira sat down and said Nia told me something last night...

You won't believe what she said 

She said she's scared.

Her mother frowned and said scared of what exactly 

Mira looked toward the empty chair beside her.

Then she answered quietly.

That you'll make me stop seeing her..

Her mother didn't reply.

And for the first time, Mira noticed something.

Her mother wasn't smiling anymore.

Neither was she laughing.

She just looked worried.

Mira  called her Moooommm

Her mother looked at her.

Do you see NIA ?

Mira stared at her then she smiled of course I can see her 

Her mother looked at the empty chair ,then back at Mira.

And Mira suddenly felt something she had never felt before.

Not fear.

Anger.

Because for the first time, someone was trying to convince her that her sister wasn't real.

And Mira wasn't willing to hear it..