Part 2The Ghost in the Jasmine Scent

Two months after she left, my sister sent a large cardboard box to my school.

Inside were many books, several new sets of underwear and tank tops that fit me, a letter, and a jasmine-scented sachet.

Violet,

I am doing very well at the Sterlings'. Don't worry.

I bought you many books you'll need for your studies. Remember to wash the clothes before wearing them. I finished the bracelet you gave me. It's beautiful, and I like it very much. I wear it all the time.

I made the jasmine sachet myself from fresh jasmine flowers here. Smell the jasmine scent and pretend I am by your side.

New York is beautiful, with tall buildings and endless traffic. The world outside the mountains is even more exciting than in the books.

Violet, study hard. Get into college and come find me.

I miss you so much.

I looked at the letter written in my sister's handwriting, tears falling onto the paper.

I brought the jasmine sachet to my nose and took a deep breath. It smelled so good. It smelled like my sister.

Every year around this time, my sister would pick fresh jasmine flowers, dry them, and make sachets for me.

This year, she didn't forget.