(Kieran)
I woke up before dawn.
The room was still dark. Sloane was curled up next to me. Breathing deep. Still asleep.
I stayed still for a minute. Listening to her breathe.
Then I carefully moved her arm off my chest. Got out of bed.
She stirred. Turned over. But didn't wake up.
I grabbed my clothes from the chair. Went to the bathroom. Closed the door quietly.
Turned on the light. Looked at myself in the mirror.
The bruising was already starting to show. My face looked worse than it had last night. The bandage on my forehead was white against the bruising around it.
I brushed my teeth. Washed my face. Got dressed.
My ribs hurt when I moved. But I could manage.
I turned off the light. Opened the door.
Went back to the bedroom. Sloane was still asleep.
I grabbed my phone. My
