Page 24 (1/2)

"Almost done," I whisper

I clip the hook Brennan meets my eyes to say he’s ready, and I hold Ezra’s hand in place as tight as I can

Brennan starts to pull the hook out Ezra’s hand shakes as he does it, which forces Bren to re-grip the hook when it’s halfway out and blood is dripping all down Ezra’s hand Ezra’s body jerks—and then it’s out

He draws the hand up to his chest and o all weird and topsy turvy

"Got a Band-Aid?" he asks quietly

Brennan gives a low laugh The finger is dripping at a pretty brisk pace

"Can I see?" I ask him

Ezra leans back, his shoulders drawn up like he doesn't want me too close

"It's okay" I stand up on knees that wobble "Let's go ho"

His eyes open "You don’t have to I can just—"

"Naw, ot a hand held up to block Ezra’s hand from his view "Go home, boy Let your et your ass to the hospital, have it sewed shut"

"What's going on?" My dad arrives on the scene looking confused "Oh no," he says, frowning deeply

"It waspole I use on the pier"

Ezra stands up, holding the arives Bren a weak s in the effort "Screwed up getting bait on the hook Hand eaty, just slipped"

"Go with Josh,” et you soauze and all that Go on, Josh" My dad waves at the lawn

I nod, and start walking I’m surprised when Ezra follows

“It’s okay,” he says, e’re a little ways away from everybody The words are thick, and his eyes look heavy-lidded Gotta figure he’s still half-drunk off that bourbon

“Is it?”

He nods

I’ about hihtly longer than mine The way his hat presses that surfer flop of hair into his eyes as he walks with his shoulders slightly drawn in He’s still got his arood hand curved around it protectively

“Can I see?”

After a second, he holds the hand out I get a good view of the pad of his finger, ashes Both of the

"Fuck, man I think that needs stitches"