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Instinct can be a lifesaver It can also get you killed Like the poor bastard who leaps in front of a car to push souy who juun and thinks he’s gonna save everyone in the store by taking the man down, only to end up dead Like thethreatened and puts herself between theets her ass beat down by so beside Hailey, pulling her into my arms because instinct kicked in and I didn’t wanna see her hurt

She pushesto erase the evidence that her tell is out there for the whole world to see While she gasps for words, I turn away and start picking up all the clothes spilled on the sidewalk

Finally, she stops trying to talk and starts frantically shoving things in boxes, too I pick up the first box and load it into her car, and then the second I turn to grab the third, but she is onpast me

“Mommy?” I hear from behind

I look at the little girl she had in her araze

“Almost ready, Marisa” Her voice is soft and so full of love I am almost floored

“For our adventure?” the little girl says

“Yep” She turns back and looks at me “Thanks”

When she starts to walk away, I grab her ar her

“Hey, Marisa, we forgot one thing Coirl

“Yep Be right back, Mommy”

“I’ll be right here, Ris Just hurry up We don’t want to be late”

When the door shuts behind her daughter—her fucking daughter— you need to tell me?”

“I don’t owe you—”

“Enough of the ‘owe ht now, I’ive it to me”

“Is that so?” The edge has returned to her voice

“Are you married?”

She looks confused