“You don’t hate me?” I ask softly. Her finger curls into her wild hair as she appraises me, her eyes squinting. Finally, she sighs, shaking her head. “I don’t hate anyone. Life is too short, and I’ve learned that hate won’t do anything but keep you from learnin’ how to love. Everyone makes mistakes.” Her eyes grow dark as her eyes flit past me to Eli. “Everyone deserves second chances.”
