Fallout (Crank 3)

I want to laugh. I want to cry.

Neither appropriate for where

I am right now. “I think I better

get some fresh air,” I tell Micah.

He is sitting very close to me,

leg hooked in front of mine.

Why didn’t I notice that before?

Good idea. I’ll come with you.

I’m a little unsteady on my feet.

Micah slips his hand under one

elbow, steers me toward the door.

No one notices our exit. Good.

The cool December air clears

my head a little. Also makes me

shiver. Micah slides an arm

around my shoulder, pulls me

against his warmth. Better?

Weird day, huh? Sorry ’bout

your boyfriend. What was up

with him, anyway? He stops walking,

waits for me to answer. Not

ready to talk about it. “He just …

was overwhelmed, I guess.”

He. Bryce. I should pull away.

But he isn’t here. He left me

behind. And I like how I feel

under Micah’s arm. This is messed

up. Oh God. I am going to cry.

Here, now, don’t do that. He kisses

the tears from the corners of