Chapter 27 (iii)

Back in the locker room, I found my reprieve. The others had run themselves tired and were noticeably more subdued than when we’d first walked across the field. No one cared about past schools and old rumours; they were covered in sweat and achy from the run they’d been made to endure. With another class before lunch, they sought to conserve their energy to make it out the other end.

One by one they filed out, heading to their next class until only Madelyn and I remained. A wall of awkward silence wedged itself between us, creating a barrier that kept us at great distance. With the dust settled and all cards laid on the table, it was evident things had gone beyond the point of recovery. The girl had revealed what she thought about me and my misfortune. She’d made her stance very clear.

“So,” I said, breaking the silence when it grew to be unbearable. “I thought I asked you not to tell anyone.” I kept my words simple and was del