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And:

5 I’rateful that no one knohat really happened That no one will ever know They say that you’re supposed to tell the truth Dr Lichme says that, anyway

But don’t they also say that what you don’t know can’t hurt you?

BEFORE

FEBRUARY 15

Nick

"Dara!" I paw through the pile of clean laundry on ave me for Valentine’s Day--You’re puuurrfect, it says in a creepy high voice when you squeeze it--is perched between lass eyes "Dara? Have you seen ns of life Christ It’s already after seven o’clock No way can I be late to hoain, not after Mr Arendale threatened rab a broom--or as a broom, anyway, before Perkins clawed outwith the handle, a method of co or calling or even texting, which Dara has been known to do when she’s really hung over (Can u bring up some water? Pleeeeeeease?)

"I know you can hearevery ith a thwack

Still nothing Cursing again--out loud, this ti, and take the stairs up to the attic, two at a ti for her to borrow, but recentlyand reappearing strangely altered, reeking of cigarettes and pot, sporting new stains and holes

Dara hates that her door has no lock and , which is why I swing the door open with no warning, hoping it will annoy her

"What the hell?" I say She’s sitting up in bed, facing away fro her sleep shirt, her hair ratty with knots "I’ve been calling you for like twenty--"

Then she turns around and I can’t finish my sentence

Her eyes are swollen and her skin is splotchy and bloated in places, like overripe fruit Her bangs are plastered to her damp forehead Her cheeks are streaked withher face and has been crying all night long