"Please."
She wasn't frightened. She was certain.
I stepped aside. Claire's face softened when Rocky entered.
"Hey," he said.
"Hey."
He lifted the giant bear.
Claire's face softened when Rocky entered.
"This wasn't my idea."
Claire looked at it.
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"It looks like it knows where bodies are buried."
Rocky laughed.
So did three kids near the doorway.
And then Claire laughed.
"This wasn't my idea."
I hadn't heard that sound in weeks.
Instead, I felt shut out.
***
Claire's classmates came back the next day and the day after that, usually in small groups.
They brought algebra notes, nail polish, and, once, a blueberry muffin.
Claire stared at the boy holding it.
I hadn't heard that sound in weeks.
"You remembered?"
"You always give yours away."
I hadn't known anyone noticed.
They covered one wall with photos. Claire pointed at one of herself mid-sneeze.
