One of our own is appointed to supervise us. Paris (she and the other girls that year were nicknamed after cities in Europe) is our new guardian, and christened Sister Paris. Like Rose, when she first came to us, Paris is newly turned thirteen. I wonder why she didn't leave the convent with the rest of the girls. She is one of us. Our sister, our name's the same. She will never leave this place.

Doll and Moppet have already decided to hate her, though Rabbit and I remain neutral.

"I know you all loved Rose," Paris tells us one evening as she blows out the candles and dims the useless overhead light. Somewhere far away the train whistles its siren song. "I remember how you all asked Sister Agatha for news every day. I don't want to replace her." I think she means this, but I can see Doll roll her eyes from the other end of the room. "I want to help you through this."

Rabbit and I allow her to kiss us on the foreheads before we go to sleep. We are still young enough to dream of mothers.