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I squeezedto send hts-out territory A dark, quiet space hat I needed And sleep “It’s been a day” The words leapt from my mouth, sharper than I had meant them to

Her shoulders dropped

Fuck Stella was the nicest, sweetest person ever and I was an asshole “I’m sor—”

“I think Ada on me”

I couldn’t have been more surprised if she’d wallopedhadn’t been the sunny mood killer

But then h her words

“Adam? As in your boyfriend, Adam? The one who learned to braid your hair when you sprained your wrist?”

She toyed with the end of the French braids hanging down over her shoulders and nodded

“The Adaot frostbite when he went out in last winter’s blizzard to get you a box of Butterscotch Krimpets and hot chocolate because you ran out?”

She bit her botto so weird lately And he flies out this weekend”

“For his first residency interviews The same ones you forced him to take since he only wanted to apply to schools in the tristate area to be near you”

Ducking her head, she crossed one foot over the other, s the poor plush duck head under foot “I know, but he’s been so off lately”

“Maybe he’s nervous about the interviews They deteret a residency placeuy ever Don’t work yourself up over so”

She released the knot she’d been twisting in her sweatshirt, worry swirling in her eyes “You think I’ silly?”

“I get being nervous You have a good thing with Ada it because you value the relationship Don’t let your worries ruin it” The words rang hollow to my ears, but she didn’t seem to notice Everyone always let you down The only person I could count on not letting me doas me and, hell, even I sucked “He’d never cheat Talk to him, if you’re worried, and let him kno you feel”