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For a second, I think the docuned recently, andand cheese sandwich I ate on the way home But then I look at the date next to Mason’s name, and my muscles relax with a spasm of relief

It’s an old agreeo

August tenth…

My stoain

Mason proposed to reement to live with four other boys in New York City Five days after he decided to leave me and maybe never come back

“What is it?” Mason asks, suddenly ataround the table “What’s wrong?”

I push the folder and rental agree a few feet across the patio Mason followsfor hiht shatter if he touches me

“Lark, what’s going on?” Mason asks in a deep, concerned voice “You’re scaring me”

“Look at it,” I whisper, fighting to speak past themy chest

Mason sighs in frustration, but he finally looks down at the papers in his hand, flipping to the back page, going still when he realizes what he’s holding

“How did Aria get this?” he asks, his tone oddly flat

“I don’t know,” I say after a moment “Does it matter?”

“Yes, itas he snaps the folder shut and tosses it back onto the table “A rental agreement isn’t a matter of public record I want to kno she—”

“I don’t care!” I say, far louder than I intend I ball my hands into fists at my sides “It doesn’t , black bruise that’s going to take forever to heal “I think you should go”

“What?” Mason starts toward me, but stops when I take a quick step back “Lark, please, this is crazy There’s no reason to—”