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Prologue

Avery

The looks on their faces—that’s the worst part

Nobody tries to help They never do They just rush by with their own children, hiding their eyes so they don’t see the wo the scene with her kid

They scoff at rand assumptions

“She needs to learn how to control her son,” I hear them whisper

Or, “I bet she lets him walk all over her It’s her own fault, really”

Soies, as best I can, and I cry Sometimes…I cry

Then there are other tirit my teeth, and I stare back into their eyes, with laser-like precision I biteto shove them, swear at them—make them feel small

But most of the time, I just count I count and I pray—not that I’ve stepped foot inside a church once into be heard, Lord, it has to be me

I’vestops I’ve had security step in, try to calrocery store, set off car alar lots, and toppled tables in restaurants

That’s part of the reason I don’t go out much It just…well…it just isn’t easy Hell, it’s far froue it isn’t

But it’s only Max and me in this world—and soether

His teeth are locked on o, and I knohen I finally pull his mouth away, there will be blood

Four hundred seven Four hundred eight Four hundred nine

I’s splayed around us near the store’s entrance I keep staring at the lone red apple that rolled furthest away Even the da