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Message 1, Kyle: We should get together to figure out what my paper will be about Maybe I can help you with the research

Message 2, Kyle: You still need to letmy papers

Disappointment tastes like stomach bile His paper is due soon, and if Razor doesn’t find out the identity of the fifth person, I’ll beco I never wanted to be: a cheater

I roll my neck in an atte over the code for too long A quick check of the time and it’s no wonder I’s to bed at nine and I’le twin bed atI ht, Razor and I texted while he was on break and thennothing I texted hiain, but he never responded It’s Sunday and my chest aches I understood e couldn’t talk Friday, because of his job, and I’m sure that’s why I haven’t heard from him, but I lance down and the bitter nausea returns Kyle: You look sad at school sometimes I didn’t do this topeople wouldpsychotic, but Razor has told h at home lately I’m fine We’ll talk about your paper soon

I power off htstand If it’s off, then I can pretend Razor’s contactinghe isn’t

A knock on my door and my eyes widen when Mom walks into my room Exhausted is the best way to describe her Her black hair is knotted in a clip at the base of her neck, but several strands have broken loose Dark circles are under her eyes and it’s like a feorry lines have formed near the corners since dinner

She’s in a Bellarift I’m sure from Clara, and a pair of sweatpants Mohts it shows

She smiles as she closes the door behind her "Hi"

"Hey," I say "I thought you were in bed"

"Elsie had a nightmare and then Liam stopped by to talk"

I had heard his car rattle into the drive about two hours ago He works third shift and sometimes stops by here for leftovers before he clocks in