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He tucked the blankets around ainstsafe and secure, knowing that my father had protected me, just as he would always protect et about the blood that covered his shirt

I sighed as I looked atthat all he’d ever wanted was to keep us safe, elina So as it so difficult for ht, Daddy," I finally said "I’ll be more careful I promise"

He smiled up at me It was a puny attempt, but I appreciated the effort "I know you will, laers in a fierce grip

The front door burst open then, and Angelina caled and wild,her look like a tiny ind My mother trailed in behind her

"Are you ready for bed?" I askedher as an excuse to escape the lingering feeling that I’d disappointedbut sleepy

I shrugged at irl into the bedroom we shared and settled her down on the only bed I left her to undress as I went to fetch a wet rag so I could wipe away sohout the course of the day

"You’re a rime frorin "Muffin’s a rubby doll she carried everywhere she went, the worn-out, hand-ood to Muffin His fur orn so thin it was transparent in spots, inal soft white appear brown and blotchy, sickly even

Angelina clutched the tattered bunny, refusing to even allow the washrag near hi htgown, Angelina was leaning heavily against my side, barely able to hold up her own head

"Co her s the dirty little rabbit beside her on the pillow Angelina never slept without Muffin

I cli on the bedside laivena pattern of ether I plucked a sewing needle fro on , once ers, and wondering what it would feel like to wear soelina’s feet moved over to my side of the bed, across the cool sheets, and found their way beneath elina’s way of saying good night

It was the only way she could

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