And everyone saw me. Tobias saw me. I hear footsteps. Tobias marches toward me and wrenches me to my feet." What the hell was that, Stiff?"" I..." My breath comes in a hiccup. "I didn't-""Get yourself together! This is pathetic." Something within me snaps. My tears stop. Heat races through my body, driving the weakness out of me, and I smack him so hard my knuckles burn with the impact. He stares at me, one side of his face bright with blush-blood, and I stare back." Shut up," I say. I yank my arm from his grasp and walk out of the room.

© Spoligo | 2024 All rights reserved