Chapter 25

He goes away and comes back. We're still all alone in the forever-est place and I hate it more than ever. I've tried everything not to be bored and not to think about blood. I don't look at him because I hate him. Even when he sits next to me, I act like he's not there. Then a shiny wrapper appears in front of my nose.

"Here," he says.

My stomach cramps and growls. I wish it would shut up so he didn't know how much I want the candy.

"It's a protein bar," he adds. "Your favorite flavor. Birthday cake."

Spit fills my whole entire mouth. "We're not supposed to eat those."

"I checked this one. Just like the others. It's okay to eat. I wouldn't offer it to you if it wasn't."

I make my hand go slow when I take it from him and also when I open it. The smell is so delicious that a weird feeling goes through my whole body. I think it's called anticipation. I might not be a regular, normal person who goes to school but I know some big words. It tastes so good, I want to cry again. I don't understand my brain sometimes.

"Remember to bury the wrapper when you're finished," he says. "Things will be very bad if it's found."

This is one of the most special-est treats that he brings me, and the rarest. I know he is trying to make things nice between us again. I know he won't tell me about the blood, but this is a good time to ask questions.

"Did you give her back? Like you promised?"

He stands up and sighs. "I'll get you a new coloring book, okay? Maybe a book to read."

I hate the way my heart soars when he says these things because I know he's trying to distract me from the fact that the only bad person here right now is him.