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“There were soauze and tape out of the bag “I didn’t like Eli, and Lu and Josiah butt heads about anything and everything, down to e eat for dinner But eventually, things settled into a groove We got to know each others’ strengths and weaknesses Shit that bothered us in the beginning started to ot to know one another Eventually, our teaood at e do and trust each other, but because we know each other, good and bad, and we naturally pick up the slack if so—if that makes sense”

She winced as I taped the bandage back on, but didn’t shy away

“I shouldn’t have trusted anyone outside our circle It was stupid But between my tea up into her face as she let her shirt drop back down to her waist “I pro else happen to you”

Her hand came down to cup my cheek, and I sat still as her thumb slid over my cheek and down over the beard at my jaw

“Why aren’t you talking?” I asked gently “It’s just me and you in here You can talk to me”

She opened her ain, her jaw flexing with frustration

“Are you hurt?” I asked in confusion, looking down at her mouth

Chapter 15

Cecilia

Was I hurt? Yes My ribs throbbed every ti and pulled My cheek and jaw ached every tier froainsthit, and even water made me nauseous

I knehat he was asking, though Was there a physical reason I wasn’t speaking?

No

I just couldn’t ue or agree, and I couldn’t It was as if when I’d trapped all the sounds inside myself, I’d locked the door and lost the key They were stuck insidejust shut down

I couldn’t fix it no matter how hard I tried Not even when they’d come up with the plan for Olive to travel separately frooodbye, and that killed me

“It’ll co over ive it a little time”