Page 142 - My FlipBook

L IS A J. L A W R E N C E

“Did you know that Ashwin means ‘light’ and ‘brave
knight’ and ‘friend’ and ‘protector’? I googled it today.”
Ash snorted. “Really?”
“Kind of fitting, don’t you think?”
“I would say more ironic, in my case.”
“No, Ash.” They didn’t speak for a few minutes. And then
she said, “The name Greta means ‘pearl.’”
“Hmm. I bet Mom picked those.”

She nodded back, even though he couldn’t see her. Brave
knight did seem unlike Roger. He would’ve come up with
something like Chuck or Bob. After a few minutes, when
Ash’s breathing slowed, Greta slid from under her blan-
kets and pushed herself to her feet. Her growling stomach
wouldn’t let her forget the plate of food in the fridge. And her
thirst. She licked her dry lips. ADVANCE READING COPY

The fridge light brightened the kitchen as she opened the
door and reached for a covered plate on the top shelf. Greta
peeled back the plastic wrap, knowing she couldn’t risk the
beep of the microwave. Even cold, the lasagna still smelled
delicious. After drinking two glasses of water, she grabbed a
fork on the way to the living room and then settled in one of
the armchairs facing the window. So easy to watch winter this
way—observing the pristine white through a pane of glass. She
could wade out into it, she thought—it wouldn’t even feel cold.

“Feeling better?”
Greta fumbled the plate, nearly dropping it into her lap.
Elgin, reclined in the other chair, smiled through the glow of
streetlights.

132