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He nodded Turned another page

“I was mad at my dad and at the situation, and , and I took it out on her” I cringed “I said so shitty to her, and I’m sorry about it”

Justin finally looked up “Maybe you should be saying this to her, man”

I exhaled “Yeah, I know”

After leaving the station Wednesdaythe girls’ bedroom as a surprise for them—the wall behind Luna’s bed pink, the one behind Hallie’s bed lavender

Dad guilt in all its pastel glory

I looked at my phone a hundred tiot harder to reach out

Around seven, I called the girls, who told me all about their first couple days at school Hallie was excited about a new friend she’d arten so far, and neither of therumpy mood the other day—it was like they didn’t even remember it

But I was sure Winnie hadn’t forgotten a thing

Finally, just after eight o’clock, I sat down at the foot of my bed and sent her a text

Sorry about Monday I was a jerk

I sent that, and while I ondering if I should offer an excuse, she replied

You were

Exhaling, I texted her again Can I explain?

You can try

I don’t want to do it over text Can I come over?

She didn’t respond right away

I just got out of the shower

Give me five minutes

But I was so anxious to get the apology off ave her three—I didn’t even put shoes on, I just ran over there in bare feet, gray sweatpants, and a white T-shirt

She answered the door in a short robe that tied at the front, her hair wet and unco and pretty withoutbut friendly

“Come in,” she said tonelessly

I followed her into her living room When she sat on one end of the couch, I sat on the other Rubbed y”

She began brushing her hair Pinned me with cool, detached eyes “Yes You do”

“I’m sorry for the way I treated you You didn’t deserve it”

“You really hurt s”