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She says nothing, but her lower lip sticks out, and I have to stopher, because I knohat that does to her, to both of us

So instead, I walk away

Chapter Twelve

“Morrison,” I call out I shouldn’t speak I should let hio, not call him back to me

He doesn’t speak He keeps his body with his back tome intently

The tears build, and I feel like the dam is about to break

“I don’t kno to handle all of this,” I whisper

“You handle it by lettingin the world

“We aren’t your problem, Morrison”

His face contorts as if he’s in pain Turning to face me, he doesn’t co for me to continue

“I appreciate the safe place to stay, the job place terot et Marisa and myself out of it”

“Little otta know your front is hot ’Cause, baby, a strong wo—and Ithe beauty you share with that little girl right in there” He points to the door behind which Marisa is sleeping soundly “Hailey, you gotta know, too, that it’s okay to let people in It’s okay to have help And, da for yourself”

“I have soht there”

With three strides, he’s standing in front ofmy chin to make me look at him

“I’ve seen firsthand hoorks out for a et that, Hailey She’ll be ot both your backs We know just what it’s like for afor the sake of her kids and leave herself with nothing else”