my throat, my e

t, streamed through

r. Too

nst my ribs, a frantic

oriented, my

r on my des

could

om downstairs, light and

ss

Mrs. Miller. Sarah mentioned you wo

words. The

he nightm

as

me, dread mixed with a

ream. This was

vid, to save my par

ting through the w

t smile, her care

troubled girl from

ative, capable of unimaginable cr

ily's pain, after destroying us, fue

Not

bed, my mov

o my door,

sleeping in," Jessica ch

ched m

downs

herself at home, pouring orange juice. Mo

Jessica was just saying how she'd l

ect mask of friendly hope. "Is that o

ed at her, seeing the calcul

d, my voice

surprised

ust for a second. "Oh. Did I

tting her off. "We have a lot going

too polite, too easily

h, I... I wouldn't be any trouble. I promise. I

of reproach in her eyes

er voice trembling slightly. "I understand

ittle sniffle, and walke

car then," she murmured, as if to he

ground. L

was over before

so potent it almos