Morga

e said "Shut up," I kn

the blow-slamming my foot into Sophia Reed's chest. She stumbled back, clinging to the

an ugly stamp on her fancy silk blouse. A secre

r Sophia-for me, hurt by that "hooker" comment. Of course. Men lik

d, her eyes like poisoned knives:

d at him-suddenly brandishing a box cutt

This woman w

is eyes wide with disbelief. Even after Uncle and Aunt Locke pulled Sophia off

, like she wanted to say something. But Aunt Locke's

preading with bright red, like poppies blooming i

held her, his voice panicking-a tone I'd never

railing like a vice, her voice faint: "Bodygu

ian pried at her hands, his knuckles

nly, tears mixing with sweat. "You've ne

ard took her hand did Sophia

, something sharp digging into my chest. The way

pulled out my phone and flip

ng over in his patient gown, his hair messy but his eyes only on me; photos of him peeling an appl

ending her the p

stayed by my bed the whole time. He

ken about losing the baby. He came right ov

rridge and peeled fruit for me. Ms. Jade, did you know

ide of the screen. She'd never seen Brian like this, had she? The man who'd alwa

leeding like that-almost dying. I'll

for her, but I wanted her to see w

ned. Brian walked in, his brow furrowed, red-rim

an ocean hiding in his eyes. I couldn't read

en. Brian hurried over, his voice hoars

then at Sophia's pale face on the b

tion not long ago. Her body hasn't recovered. With the emotional stress and

ort

ce turned white instantly, his pupils

been pregnant w

shed his phone, she

zy. No wonder she'd screa

athing unsteady. When he looked at Sophia, his eyes held someth

nly felt

about-hidden where I couldn't see. And Sophia Reed, the woman I'd tram

tinctively, whispering: "Bria

avoiding mine slightly. He patte

bed, but his feet were roo

ling on Sophia's pale face. Her eyebrows we

I realized-this battle I'd thought