Page 92 of The Secret to Belonging

why you aren’t immediately in his arms

you have to remind yourself what happened

how his lips touched Alison’s

he sees you and stands

he looks terrible

i’m so sorry, he says

i need to explain

you sit on a cold bench

he sits next to you

you tighten your coat and cross your arms

i know she’s your best friend

was. you correct him

was my best friend

he looks at his hands

i never wanted to jeopardize your friendship

i wanted to like her as much as you do

did. you correct him again

as much as i did

he puts his hands in his pockets

looks at the ground

i need to tell you what happened

she came downstairs after we all went to bed

i was sleeping. everyone was sleeping

she came into my room

climbed under the duvet

kissed me

you put your hand up

you don’t want the image

but you need to hear me

he pleads