page18 (1/2)

“I’m sorry,” Tacker says aardly

With a set March 3rd It was my birthday Like I said… I was eleven And Besjana had promised to make me a shendetlie, which was my favorite dessert”

“But that didn’t happen” Tacker stops walking, turning to face me

“No, that didn’t happen” I look off into the distance, the sun starting to hang low over the foothills When I shift to face Tacker, I just lay it out for hie and went house to house, rounding up suspected roup My entire fa with other suspected rebel families They separated the males from the females, then promptly opened fire on all the males”

“Even…” Tacker says, but his voice fades quickly

“Even my seven-year-old brother, Pjeter”

“Fuck,” hehis hands down into his jeans I’uess, it’s not an expression he’s probably worn a lot lately

I give a slight cough to clear iven to the soldiers Besjana was repeatedly raped, often right in front of me, and by multiple men I was made to cook and clean for them”

“Christ,” Tacker growls He starts to take a step towardI can tell he’s not sure what type of support to offer, so I smile to excuse him from the burden

“One night, a drunken soldier was getting ready to take his turn on Besjana I just couldn’t stand it any myself at risk, so I screahed Then he taunted ht in my hand, and dared me to shoot him if I wanted to stop it so bad”

A low rumble emanates from Tacker’s chest, and he looks sick to his stomach

“And I couldn’t,” I adaze It’s a sha “I was so scared That I’d miss That I’d hit the mark and another soldier would kill me It didn’t matter the reason—I just couldn’t do it I couldn’t save Besjana”

“You were eleven,” Tacker bites out with a gri”