I finally break the silence. “Why are you mean-mugging me?” She flattens her lips but doesn’t look up. “Sorry, I’ll try to gaze at you lovingly from where I’ve been exiled.” My tongue presses against my cheek. Okay, I deserved that. She just grunts, then smiles as her eyes zero in on her phone. I try again. “What are you watching?” “Raccoon videos that Gwen sent me.” “Raccoons?” “Yeah. My next pet, I think. Hopefully, you’re allergic.” My lips twitch because this feels… familiar. Normal in a not-normal situation. “You can’t be mean to someone with a broken back.” Her eyes roll. “Your back
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