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“You’ll learn that arguing with Sean is a waste of time.”
“Does he eventually change his mind?”
“No.”
“Then why do all of you argue with him?”
“Entertainment.”
Sean looks at him.
Arthur carries my bag out of the room.
Will waits beside the door.
He has a fresh bandage around the arm Navarro cut.
I look at it.
“Does it hurt?”
“No.”
“You’re lying.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because you worry.”
“I’m allowed to worry.”
“Then it doesn’t hurt much.”
“That isn’t better.”
“It’s all you’re getting.”
He takes my coat from the chair and holds it open.
I slip my arms into it.
“You know I don’t need help putting on a coat.”
“I know.”
“Then why do you keep doing things like that?”
He settles the coat over my shoulders.
“Because nobody did them for you before.”
My chest aches.
I look away before he can see how much the answer means.
Outside, the Nevada morning is bright and a little chilly.
