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it begins to clear.

We make it all the way down the block

to a small park

that’s really just an island

in between two streets.

Lyric stops

under a big oak

where we lean against a frozen trunk

trying to catch our breaths.

Damn. That was a workout,

she says

after a moment.

I can’t believe you run outside

when it’s like this.

You get used to it,

I say.

So…

Lyric starts.

How are you doing?

Amazing. Never been better.

I snort.

Come on, Juniper.

Be for real.

I take a deep breath

start again:Sorry.

I’m so confused

and mad

right now.

There have just been

so many secrets