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"Cass, the details, they’re what you say and what Paul Cotterins to explain, and I cut hi, and ht this trouble on myself Just like I did with Kyle That’s what you mean, isn’t it Dad?"

"Cass, I didn’t say that Don’t put words inhimself

"No, Dad If I put words in your hts you have aboutup before he can say another word, and I throw the phone on my bed

I should be elated This is what I wanted--the Cotterman issue put to bed But somehow all I feel is worse My phone buzzes from his call, and I silence it

"I need to shower," I say, unable to look at Ty I feel e to cry If I can just make it to the shower, I can do it under the powerful spray of the water, and it will be like it never happened

"Go ahead," Ty says "I’ll wait here As long as you need"

I knoill And even though I want to send hih it could be hours

Rowe left her small basket here, and I use it to carryon the bench just outside of the shower stall I see why Rowe likes to shower at night now; it’s quiet in here The sense of being alone is both coht now--ugly, angry--the dark is welco, like a blanket

The water does it’s n of weakness to come from my eyes The war s After about thirty ain

And thenDoubles

My world slants, and I trail my body down the wall to sit under the water

The water can’t erase this

Blink

Blink

Blink