Those memories don’t bother me anymore, but when I look up at Alex to tell him to keep the light steady, I see the distress in his eyes.

“They were so cruel to you.”

I move my shoulders in a casual shrug. “I try not to dwell on the past. Besides, once I have the money I need to get out of here, I’m never going to look back.”

“What do you mean?”

I sink my teeth into my lower lip, angry at myself. Me and my big fat mouth. Why can’t I just shut up when I’m around him?

“Forget ...