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“What I’,” I said softly, “is that we all have secrets We all have things we kept to ourselves”

She glanced down for a moment “Yeah, but—”

“No yeah buts,” I smiled “Seriously The others don’t even have to know about this All they need to know is you fixed the radio”

Her expression changed again, and I saw gratitude there Maybe even so that could outlast our time here, and be carried back to campus

I took her hand and put it back on the crank “Keep going Don’t give up” She nodded, and I squeezed her hand reassuringly “I’ll be downstairs, cooking up the rest of that rice It’s tiet rescued, and I don’t wanna do it on an empty stomach Think positive”

“Okay”

She was actually sht before I left she squeezed my hand

“So… you really wanted to ask me out?” she asked shyly

I paused for ato consider “Nah Your friend was cuter”

Morgan’s eyes ide as the sun as I backed away laughing

“Asshole!” she shouted, laughing despite herself She cursed and threw soth of wire as it bounced off my back

I felt lighter than ever as I took the staircase

Forty-Five

MORGAN

“She’s been at it all day Still nothing”