Page 110 of Molt

“I know.”

“You didn’t.”

He flinches.

“No, August. You don’t get to say that.”

“You’re right.”

“I had a fucking life before you recognized me in that lobby.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I wasn’t waiting for you.”

“I know.”

“I didn’t spend thirty-eight years missing you.”

His face crumples. “I know.”

“I was just...” My voice dies.

A host.

I can’t say it.

August does. “A person.”

I look at him.

His voice shakes. “You were a person.”

Something in me breaks completely and I sink to the floor.

August kneels several feet away. He doesn’t touch me.

For once, I’m grateful.

“How many?” I ask.

He doesn’t answer.

“How many women?”

“At least eight.”

“No.” I shake my head. “The eye showed me more.”

His face pales.

“How many?”

“I don’t know.”

“How many women have been erased so I could come back?”

His mouth opens.