“Shannon?” Joey’s voice broke through my thoughts. I didn’t look at him. I didn’t respond, either. “Are you listening to me?” he asked. I nodded weakly, keeping my eyes trained on the car. “The next time he puts his hands on you, I want you to fight back.” I stiffened. “Are you listening to me?” I nodded. “If he touches you again, Shannon, then I want you to grab the sharpest knife you can, and I want you to plunge it into his heart.” Sniffling, I turned to look at him. “You’re not coming back, are you?” Joey just stared at me, eyes filled with tears. “I can’t,” he whispered as a tear rolled
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