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And the pain was a blessing, the perfect distraction "Shepherd didn't allow me access to shoes I had to run in the streets barefoot"

"Does it hurt?"

"Yes But it doesn't bother me and it won't slow me down"

Maryanne crouched to see why fresh blood was running down her old friend's shin "Your knee needs stitches"

"Nothing I can do about that right now"

"Sit down, I'll do it"

It was so backwards to have Maryanne Cauley be the one to tend to her; as kids it was always the other way around Watching the fully grooh her skin, feeling the pinch and burn, the world seee "Whatever happened to your mom?" Claire asked

"Who fucking knows," Maryanne ht stitch "Probably OD'd years ago"

Claire just hummed, distracted "My dad died four years back Roadway accident"

"Your pop was always pretty cool"

Claire had to agree "Yeah… I'lad he's not here to see this"

Maryanne rubbed her lips together as if she wanted to say soathered clothing appropriate for the arb of Shepherd's Followers towards Claire

The Oa didn't balk, just dressed silently while Maryanne squeezed her li uniform

"You know, Claire," Maryanne was dead serious, knotting her hair to tuck under a cap "Underground there's a whole 'nother world Those who follow Shepherd are beyond dangerous"

"Whatever they are doesn't matter"

Maryanne's voice fell flat "What I aenda Shepherd ht just kill you"