ved, searching for air that wasn't thick w

e room was too quiet. Outside, thunder rumbled, a low growl th

a nightmare. I

ay, bright and blinding on the manicured green lawns. She was seventeen. She was we

convertible, tossing them in the air, catchi

at something she said. She didn't remember th

she s

hand, the cuffs fraying. He was near the trash cans behind the caf

to Elenora picked u

his pale skin. He didn't cry out. He didn't run. He just stood there, clu

with curiosity. She raised a hand, s

er shadow fell over his f

nudged his worn-out sneake

t look away. That annoyed her.

a wad of cash. It was her allowance for the w

thre

en confetti. They landed on his s

irking. "That should cover your

ds clenched into fists at his sides. Hi

he k

t and picked up the

ifted. The s

erald was standing in the corner, holding a heavy canvas. He

hat she had done. In a fit of pique, sh

ashed i

water soak

g. "That's what you're here for,

knees and scru

She made him carry her because she didn't want to ru

eamed in the dream

m his nose, and looked at her. That look. It

m, sweat sticking her shirt to

the bedroom

ded in, blinding her. Fitzg

boy from the dream. He was broad, imposi

tray in

h a clatter. Soup sloshed over the side of the bowl. It

Fitzger

food. Her stomach turn

ungry," sh

oorframe. He crossed his arms.

," he said. "I said eat. Don't e

es raking over he

Qu

g in an old wound. He threw the word at