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“Don’t get delusional on your birthday.”

She grins, “It’s okay to lie, I love my birthday gift anyway.”

And somehow, I let her win that one. She steps closer and before I can move away properly, her arms wrap around me like it’s the most normal thing in the world. I go stiff immediately. One arm hangs there for a second before I awkwardly pat her back twice. The usual routine. “You’re still doing it wrong,” she says into my shoulder.

“Doing what?”

“Hugging. You look like you’re filing paperwork on my spine.”

I huff a laugh. “It’s a hug.”

“It’s a tap-and-release situation. That’s not a hug.”

She finally lets go, shaking her head like she’s given up on me for the hundredth time. “You’re also my favorite person,” she whispers.

“I know,” I say.

She looks way too satisfied with that answer. “Go to class before I kidnap you for the day,” she says.

I grab my bag and blow a kiss at her, “You already tried that in high school.”

“And it almost worked,” she says instantly.

“I left my keys, bring Blue here for the day!” I yell as I head toward the door.

“Of course. My other nephew’s coming to stay with me today.”

“Don’t forget his food,” I add.

“I won’t, woman,” she says immediately. “And don’t forget the party tonight.”

I pause at the door to look back at her. “I won’t, I’ll get ready with you,” I add. “Pinky promise.”

That makes her grin.

“Good. Love you Rey.”

“To purgatory and back,” I whisper as I disappear behind the door and go to my first class of the day with Mister Caldwell.

39

Mireya

Play - Keep The Rain by Searows

Forbidden conversations

The lily I started to draw with my metal compass on the table is almost done.

I blow away the wooden shavings and stare at it. The same thing happens, and a few petals are missing.

She’s next to the eye I started last time but never finished.

I tried to make myself small the moment I entered the lecture hall. Damien asked the class to do something but I didn’t listen to anything for the past hour. I don’t want him to see me like that. I don’t want him to ask how I am or if I’m okay.

I couldn’t handle that, especially given everything that’s happened and what we saw on that beach together.

The strangest thing is anger took over the sadness I felt yesterday. I didn’t know her, yet somehow, I woke up angry at the person who decided they had the right to choose her death.