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“I feel so fucking stupid” My voice is garbled due to the therht it, because I don’t own one I’e-worthy memory of my life

“You’ll never let me live this down” That’s what I try to say Thanks to the therot a head injury

“Sure I will Don’t chew the ther it out of my mouth

“We don’t want you to get over one hundred four” In the low evening light, his eyes are darkened navy as he assesseshis hand overmy temperature My pillow is adjusted a little His eyes are not the man I know

“Okay Please stay for a minute But you can leave if you want”

“Lucy, I’ll stay”

When I eventually dreae ofme sleep

Chapter 10

I’e Tupperware container under my face—the one I usually carry cakes to work in I can ss I throw up athered in his fist

“This is so disgusting,” I groan in between heaves “I’m so—I’m so—”

“Shh,” he replies and I fall asleep, shuddering and gasping, while he wipescold and damp

The clock says 1:08 AM when I sit upright again A wet coht on the bed next to me

“It’s ainst ot no shoes on and his socked feet are casually crossed at the ankles The other books have been stacked neatly on my dresser

“I’m so cold,” I chatter I put my hand into my hair; it’s still damp froetting worse”

“No, cold,” I argue I stu the door ajar I pee, flush, and then realize how unladylike I was Oh, well He’s seen and heard al left to do but fake my own death and start a new life