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The words escape ht inwith defeat

I close my eyes, exhausted

I’er

It’s so much effort to stay mad

And when I can’t be angry anymore, only one other eht now

“You feel so … what?” prods my brother

I slowly shakestarts to happen in the back of my throat

My eyes begin to sting

Fuck, don’t tell

“Ji it

“I d-d-don’t knohat the fuck to do” Why a“I f-fucked up And I’ve told him sorry a thousand times, but he won’t listen, and he won’t t-t-talk to me, and nohat in the FUCK am I s-s-supposed to do about the Spruce Ball?? We’re the entertainment!”

Tanner’s hand presses to“Don’t worry, bro There’s a bunch of other things that can occupy the guests’ attention The Spruce dra off a bunch of nature paintings done by the afterschool art program Even the elementary school is involved The dance is the least of your concerns, bro”

“B-B-But it was gonna be our thing!” I sound like a blubbering toddler whose toy just got taken away “Bobby andall co into my palms “I ruined it”

His arm slides all the way aroundSoon,Every one of s are crushed inward My stomach aches with emotion My head is a mess of despair

Then, through all of that noise, otta tell oin’ on here”

I s my sobs I blink until my eyes are clear, and then all I see is the floor of the living room

“There is soht?” my brother asks