She lays her hand on top of mine, and though I want to shove it away, I let it sit there. I take a breath. I make myself be mindful. I notice my anger—how dare she? I notice my shame. I notice the tensing of every muscle in my body, hardening into a shield to fight against anyone who might try to reach me. I say, voice cracking—fuck—“No one saved us.” “I know. It’s not fair,” she says. “It’s not fair at all.” “Not a bit.”
