Page 241 of Sorrow & Strangers

Reluctantly, I leave my bed and get dressed before leaving the house. No sooner have I started jogging than my phone pings.

Unknown

Do you like my gift, princess?

My lips twitch as I text him back.

Summer

I love it. That story . . .

Unknown

It’s one of my favorites. Fiction is so much more forgiving than reality.

There is a brief pause before the bubbles start jumping again at the bottom of the screen.

Unknown

You know, I could train you in combat.

I frown at my phone.

Summer

I have a trainer.

Unknown

You don’t need to leave your house at five am every morning to spar with the boy. I could train you.

I narrow my eyes at the screen.

Summer

Again, I have a trainer.

Unknown

And I am a far better one.

Summer

Have you fought Max before?

Unknown

The enemies I have defeated are far more powerful. I am alive. They are not.

Should I provide references?

I feel myself bristling a little.

Summer

That doesn’t prove you are better than Max.

Unknown