I wrap my arms around myself and refuse to make eye contact with her. “I know, but he's not all to blame. I should've known better than to make him mad. He’s dealing with some serious problems.” “What the fuck?” she says in disbelief. “Are you even hearing yourself right now? There is nothing, and I mean nothing, you can do that would make it justifiable for him to put hands on you. Not a damn thing!” Cowering at her tone, I swallow down a lump in my throat. “Please don't yell.” She takes a deep breath and exhales slowly. “I'm sorry, S. I just hate seeing you like this. You're smarter than
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