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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.