against the cold, heavy ed

ng wave of defeat washed over him. I

close her finger

over and gently pressed her p

. There was no greed in Frieda's expressi

r too valuable. I can tell just by holding it that this card is extraordinary, and

ulders insta

e. He had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep his face f

he stared at Frieda

land. Eleonora opened her mouth, struggling to find a wa

our own money. It feels better that way," Fr

toward the expensive leather bag. She didn't let

ed at Fried

cy wall he had built around his hea

ction of what was on that card. And this girl, wearing a faded shirt and c

yes filled w

ctive love for this girl. She aggressi

insulting me," Eleonora demande

e didn't want to disrespec

up at Dewitt. Her eyes were wid

sists... why don't you hold onto her

wn into her clea

A massive wave of guilt slammed into his

shed against Frieda's as he took the

t of his suit jacket, safely hiding th

Dewitt said. His voic

cepting the compromise. She grabbed Frie

shopping," Eleonora declare

woman's excitement. She nodded a

clicked shut, Eleonora tur

your sick little test

losed bedroom door. The image of Frieda

rom his pocket. He opened

flew across

papers. Delay the

ord "Delivered" on the screen a

oom door

a washed-out denim jacket and a pai

let out a dramatic sigh of pity.

nto his pocket. His face return

ffice. I have overtime

l by the door. He opened the front d

r a long second. In his mind, the image of Frieda kneeling to tie her shoelaces played on a loop. The coldness th