Because even that still hurts.
“Not your call.”
The words echo back.
Mine.
And the look on her face after—
That wasn’t nothing.
Not even close.
I didn’t mean—
No.
That’s a lie.
I meant it.
I always mean it.
That’s the problem.
I don’t take orders from anyone when it comes to my job.
Not even her.
Especially not her.
But that doesn’t explain—
Why it bothered me.
Why it still does.
I push up slightly—
Ignore the pull in my ribs.
Focus on something else.
Doesn’t work.
Because I can still hear her voice.
Sharp.
Fierce.
“You’re not ready.”
Yeah.
I heard that.
Still hearing it.
