“Cooper . . .” Pleadingly, I place my hands on his shoulders. “Coop, look at me. I remembered everything you guys taught me. I kept my thumb on the outside. I pulled back and aimed for his nose. I hit him as hard as I could. Then I ran away. I need you to see that you and Declan saved me. “Even if you weren’t standing right next to me, you were with me, and you saved me.” I feel tears welling up in my eyes but refuse to let them fall. I will not give that asshole another tear.
