Page 36 (1/2)

I lean in so she can hear e "Do you reain?"

The corners of herup a little "Yeah, I reirly bike, so you sat on the handlebars and I pedaled?"

She nods

"And one day, I was going way too fast and we hit a rock, and both of us went flying I didn’t want to ride like that anyet hurt Do you remember what you told me?"

Her eyesbecause the ride was the only thing thatworth it"

I nod tenderly

And she adds, "Then you called h

When our chuckles settle, I hold outto let us fall this time, Kennedy"

Her eyes are back on my chest "I’m not sure--"

"All you have to do is takebefore--you never really knoho sonificently ferocious in court as Kennedy could be hiding such a fragile, delicate soul And don’t think for a second it’s because she’s weak The fact that she’s even fucking standing here sho strong she is It’s justinstinct

We shy away fros that hurt us--that have hurt us in the past

That’s what scars are for They protect the wounds Cover them with thick, nuain The botto, hard callus

But the scars Kennedy has inside? They’re even tougher

When she continues to stare at my hand, I plead, "Please, just come inside"

Slowly, tentatively, her so in out of the rain

• • •

Her teeth chatter as she sits on the edge ofher ar How long were you out there?"

"Awhile I alkingthinking"

"Your faovern, stop and buy an uhs I pull the blanket closer around her and rub her back

Her voice cooing like I i you out of your clothes, not wrapping you up like a burrito"