RY

ars still clinging to my l

ulled out a handkerchief. It was dark gray, perfectly

rs clumsy, and scru

ine. His blue eyes, like two chips of ice, took

" he said. His voice

unexpected, I actu

y the last tear from the corner of my eye. Hi

flinched back, and he imm

wn at me. "Done crying?

acket, heavy wool with leather sleeves and the captain's '

d me?" I asked,

harp clicks, but he didn't light it. "The address you gave me, I arrived early, s

it back in his pocket, then held out

nd in his. He pulled me to my feet so quickly

ent again, mixed with the crispness of the winter ai

and shivering frame, but said nothing more. He just

stray, my head down,

is car was a welcome sh

idn't drive. He turned to m

at him,

sister is sleeping with your ex-boyfriend. Your mother wants to sell you

ssment of my reality.My father's villa

the window as the first few fl

ear campus," he said, his voice casual. "Security is tigh

ion. It was a sol

ach flake a tiny, perfect

y," I wh

the car in gear and drov