ke she owned it. She was wearing one of Ethan's expensive button-down shirts

ped her arm over his shoulders, ki

I hadn't seen directed at me in years. It was

he guest list," Madison said, her tone bright and cheer

p in the face, wrap

the simple silver necklace I always wore. It was a small,

would look perfect with my rehearsal

ittle pout. He looked at the necklace, then at me. Th

necklace, Chl

For years, this key had symbolized a hope that I could o

d it out to Madison. "

hank you, Chloe! You're the best!"

fell to my wris

oo fast. She grabbed my arm, pointing to the inside of my w

M

n Mi

enth birthday, a stupid, imp

ally. "Oh my god. Is th

had been soft for Madison, was now stone-cold. He

moved years ago," he said,

got,"

t," he comman

didn't plead. I si

er tattoo removal. The technician was a kind

to hurt, hone

ow,"

ed. I expected to be alone. But as the tec

as E

stood in the corner of the roo

skin. The smell of burning flesh filled the small room. I bit down on my lip, tasting blood, but I refused to make a sound. I foc

earing wave of pain was a penance. And I took it

red, blistered, and raw. The

y brave," she

slightly. Ethan was still

poke. "Why d

wrist, at the place wher

e I used to love gave it to me. But I don't lo

he room, not looking back to s