AVALINE

I walked slowly toward the sofa across from him. I didn’t want to be near him, pausing to ease the pain in my neck.

I let out a small sigh of relief once I sat down on the soft seat, hugging the cushion as if it provided some tiny protection.

I just stared at my feet. Words were stuck in my throat. To be honest, I didn’t even have words.

I grimaced as the wind blew my hair into my face. I hadn’t bathed for two days; my head felt sticky and oily.

“Won’t curse me today, ...