Page 218 - My FlipBook

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

Greta stood, wanting to move but bound by the size of
Elgin’s living room, his jungle of plants. She ended up shifting
in a circle, trapped by those walls of stone and ivy again.
Would time dry up the shame? Another talk with Priya? The
hurt would remain, she knew. For how long, she didn’t know.
But the shame? She couldn’t accept it, held captive by it even
as she rejected it.
Greta mentally paced as she lay in bed, even after Ash

crept in without turning on the light. Had she made a mistake
leaving West Edmonton High? The thought of going back was
like stepping in front of a charging semi, all headlights and
rumble. How would that help anything? She checked the
time on her phone. One am. Anxiety stirred as Greta inhaled
and exhaled. She knew what to do. And even as she dreaded
it, her feet finally touched something firm beneath her. The ADVANCE READING COPY

rock cast down the well hit bottom, with a small but definite
splash. She would need backup, someone to walk beside her,
prop up her shoulder. Ash? Not unless she wanted to leave a
trail of broken limbs. Her mind scanned through names and
faces—a short list. Someone strong.
There. Yes. She sent a text.

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