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“I’ve been trying to tell you for years, I don’t hold that against you I’m over it Why the hell aren’t you?”

“Because you shouldn blame me”

“You’re et you out”

“It was my fault, Hayes I caused that fire I killed our father and set him up to take the fall I c-couldn’t—take it anys he did to Mo it out and he hit her, hard That’s why she was strewn across the couch I went out to check on her and I couldn’t get her to wake” He shook his head, looking all the world like a lost little boy

“What?” Monster whispered The blood drained from his face

“I lost it Next thing I know, I’ I knew I had to cover ot the old Zippo lighter I rigged it, so it’d look like it was his fault But the place went up so fast and the smoke disoriented me I should’ve—died in that fire Me! Not you And now I have to see the results of what I did every da and Mom’s dead and all of it’s on me”

Her jaw dropped open as she watched theo to Monster, but she kneasn’t her place This was for them to sort out She bit the inside of her cheek to keep herself quiet

>“I—I’ve been trying to make it up to you for years, but it’s like you don’t want anything to do with me”

Monster shook his head “This is why you’ve been up iveness?” Monster released his brother and stumbled back A dazed expression covered his face “Did you think I’d bea otday” Monster ran his fingers through his hair God, Hartley” He shook his head “I-I can’t do this—right now I need space”

“Hayes—”

“No” Monster held out his hand “Just, stay away for now, and fro for so long! God, what else are you hiding?”

“That’s it, I swear” Pan held his hands up in mock surrender

“Yeah, ‘cause you’re so trustworthy” Monster sneered

“Monster?” she whispered, unsure how to proceed

“Hold down the fort here, okay? Pan won’t be a probleet back with you, yeah?”