“I sleep better when I can see you.”
His face is dead serious, though. And instead of doing the sane thing and telling him to shove it up his ass… I reclaim the camera and tuck it in my purse.
I don’t say a word. Neither does he. I just put my back to Kir and walk out past Madison, who gives me a bright smile and a little wave that I don’t return. I don’t stop walking until I hit the street.
“I’m taking back the crown / I’m all dressed up and naked / I see what’s mine and take it”
— “Emperor’s New Clothes” by Panic! at the Disco
I don’t go straight home after leaving Kir’s building. I walk for a while, down Sixth, then west toward the river, then south for no reason at all. It’s essential to just keep moving so I can burn off whatever toxic residue is still buzzing under my skin from
