Page 110 (1/2)

“I don’t owe you an answer I don’t owe you anything” I take a breath and watch a couple holding hands cut between us on the sidewalk

“Tellto ht I was”

My eyes widen He can’t be serious “You thought you were? In what universe were youfrolare, I narrowit better for yourself Job well done” I give hiolf-clap round of applause

Gripping the handle ofdown the street

“I don’t knohat you’re talking about, Tealey I know you’re upset, but if you give me a chance to explain—”

“I don’t have to give you anything, Rad,” I snap, the anger preferable to the pain froiven, and arguing in theI’ to do”

The silence stretches between us as I inch closer to the curb He coh to keep some distance between us, and asks, “Tealey, stay Talk to lare at him over my shoulder “I promise you—”

“Your proet it twisted And stoppromises you can’t keep”

Don’t second-guess yourself, Tealey

I hate that I feel empathy when I see the sadness in his eyes, the frown that hisbad, and defeat is probably so his shoulders have never experienced before But I can’t let him prey on my sympathies anymore either

I hate that I’m weak to him when I’m the victim

A blue sedan pulls up behind his car It’s my ride

Raising his arms out to his sides, he says, “I still don’t knoe’re fighting about, and you’re running away before we have a chance to work it out”

“I’ht out of your life”

“Leaving without so much as an explanation”

“Which is what you gave ”

He flinches from the words