mell of damp rot a

ood bed, the lumpy mattress digging into my back. The faded floral wallpaper, stained with years

ck. Year

s were boarded up. The only sign of life was the new, sleek headquarter

st cheap dress, the one she saved for job interviews. The look in her eyes

She was

unced, not looking at me. "I'm go

a dry croak.

rling in a sneer. "Don't what? Don't

the door. "This time, the life o

ed, tried to stop her. This time, I just stepped back. I would

o that gilded cage of her own free