Shatter Me (Shatter Me, #1)

by Tahereh Mafi

“What are you writing?” Cellmate speaks again. These words are vomit. This shaky pen is my esophagus. This sheet of paper is my porcelain bowl. “Why won’t you answer me?” He’s too close too close too close.

“I don’t know.” A mechanical sound creaks/groans/cranks in the distance. My life is 4 walls of missed opportunities poured into concrete molds.

He makes a harsh sound. “I disgust you that much?” I spin around, so caught off guard by his words I forget myself. He’s staring at me, his face hard, his jaw set, his fingers flexing by his sides. His eyes are 2 buckets of rainwater: deep, fresh, clear.

Convictions priorities preferences prejudices and ideologies divided us. Deluded us. Destroyed us.

“Well you’re the murderer,” I tell him. “So you must be right.” His smile is laced with dynamite. “Go to sleep.” “Go to hell.” He works his jaw. Walks to the door. “I’m working on it.”

My voice softens. “How old are you?” “I’ll be eleven next year.” I grin. “So you’re ten years old?” He crosses his arms. Frowns. “I’ll be twelve in two years.” I think I already love this kid.

Kenji turns to look at me. He manages a goofy smile. “Aw, you trust me?” “As long as I have a clear shot.” I tighten my hold on the gun in my hand. His grin is crooked. “I don’t know why, but I kind of like it when you threaten me.” “That’s because you’re an idiot.”