Page 228 - My FlipBook

NINETEEN

On the bus, adrenaline leaked from Greta’s body, leaving it
a deflated bike tire. She slumped against Alice’s shoulder,
neither of them speaking. A tentative peace settled over
her. Greta knew it would vanish the minute they stepped off
the bus and attempted this “forward,” but for now she let it ADVANCE READING COPY

cradle her. Alice squeezed her hand and let go, lost in her
own thoughts.
From the bus stop they walked home in silence, the
slushy edges of piled snow starting to harden as the temper-
ature dropped in the late afternoon. Before they reached
Elgin’s house, Greta said, “Thank you, Alice. It made a huge
difference, having you there.”
“Pfft. You would’ve done fine on your own, believe me.
But you’re welcome.” She looked sideways at Greta and

smiled. “You impressed me, you know? Maybe I should’ve
done more of that myself.” The smiled dropped from her face.
Greta figured she was probably remembering her own lineup
of people to tell off. “If you ever want to talk, Greta, about…”

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