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“What’s the matter?” I whisper

“Could you…put some stuff around e

My mouth is open to ask what he

Sixteen

Finley

It see as his head lolls back against the

blankets Each tihtly in the air His face is slack, so he looks like a stranger lying helpless on his back there

When it’s over, his mouth remains a bit open A line of blood drips down his thick throat I note the paleness of his skin, the stillness of his body—so still that I throw ular I find his heart racing Then ers push at his brow

“Open your eyes!”

I jostle him and slap his cheek, and then his eyes crack open He looks pained

“Declan?” I’ until I hear his name in my thin, breathless voice

He blinks His lips tremble “Where am I?” The words are thick and slow

My hand rubs his chill-covered arain “We’ve been confined here together—remember?”

His mouth twists, a bit of a wince His eyes close When he opens theain, they seek my face

“What’s…your name?” His voice is raspy