The oversize T–shirt hits me square in the face. Soft cotton faintly scented with her something like rain and cinnamon –but it might as well be a slap.her words cut deeper than I expect, sharper than anything Ive faced in boardrooms or stadiums.
Arrogant. Thats what she called me. And the worst part? Maybe she’s right.i stand there for a moment,staring at the doorway she stormed through. the rain pounds harder outside a steady roar against the roof as if the storm wants to make sure i feel it – the sting the silence the hollow space she left behind.
Im not used to this. People dont throw things at me.they dont walk away from me. They don’t dare. My fingers tighten around the shirt knuckles whitening. She would have shown me something i havent felt in a long time -warmth unguarded and real and i ruined it with one thoughtless question.
A question that was supposed to be a gesture, not an insult. a way to say thank you in the only language Ive ever known -gifts not words.
i let out a rough breath and drop the shirt onto the bed.My reflection stares back at me from the dark window–all control and composure but behind it i see the mess Ive made.
Then, a small voice breaks the quiet.
“my sister can be a little mean sometimes,” says the tiniest figureve ever seen – Taylor’s little sister standing barefoot in the hallway her pajamas covered in cartoon stars.she hugs a stuffed bear to her chest. “but she is really kind.
You can’t be too harsh with her. You’ve got to soften her up. Say something nice.”
I blink, caught completely off guard. “Say something nice?” She nods solemnly, like she’s sharing ancient wisdom. “Girls like compliments.
But not the fake ones. Tay–Tay hates fake people.” A corner of my mouth twitches. “Good to know.” She edges closer, studying me with curious eyes. “You’re the football guy, right? The one from the TV?”
“I suppose I am.”
“My brother said you kicked the ball so hard it curved like magic.” can’t help it – a quiet laugh slips out. “Magic, huh? I’ll take
that.”
she grins proud of herself then tilts her head. “do you like my sister?”
I pause, surprised by how fast the question hits. “She’s… interesting.”
“That’s not an answer.”
Smart kid. “Alright. Yes,” I admit, keeping my voice low. “I like her. But i dont think she likes me very much right now.”
the little girl sighs in that exaggerated way only children can. “You probably said something silly. Tay–Tay gets mad when people don’t understand her.”
That pulls a faint smile from me. “I noticed.”
she climbs up onto the arm of the couch hugging her bear. “shes sper smart. when i was little she used to fix my toys. And she helps Mom with everything. She’s like… a superhero.”
Something in my chest softens. “Sounds like it.”
“she just doesn’t trust people easy. Especially men.” The little girls voice grows softer, almost serious. “promise you wont hurt her okay? she gets fooled sometimes and i dont like when she cries”
Her words hit harder than I expect. A child shouldn’t have to say things like that wiser, stronger.
–
– shouldn’t have to guard someone older,
“i promise,” i say quietly.
1/2
Chapter 2
+25 Bonus
she studies my face for a second then nods apparently satisfied. “Okay, you should tell her that. But maybe after she stops being
mad.”
before i can answer she hops off the couch and runs back down the hall and the sound of her small footsteps fading like raindrops. i stand there for a long time her words echoing in my mind. She just doesnt trust people easy.
i take the shirt she threw at me run a hand over the worn fabric and let out a sigh. Maybe i deserve that. Maybe i need to start learning a different language one that doesnt rely on price tags or gestures that mean nothing.
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