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hink about it. Hurt me more.”

Afterward

We lie, knotted together,

as if to undo this macramé

would unravel us altogether.

After a while, Trey sighs.

I have to tell you something.

Every muscle tenses. He’s

leaving. Or he’s been with

Angela. Or he wants to be.

I haven’t been job hunting

all the time I’ve been away….

I don’t want to hear this.

I don’t want to lose him.

I don’t want to share him.

I’ve been going to the casinos.

I…I’m not lucky at gambling.

He’s not leaving. I don’t have

to share him. Wait. Gambling?

He’s been gambling? And losing?

I’m sorry. I thought I could make

a little profit, to get a nicer place.

My body stiffens and bends

in half, like a mannequin, sitting.

“Where did you get the money?”

From the lockbox. I know some

of it was to get more speed….

Yes, and for rent. Electricity. Phone.

Gasoline. And, until a few hours ago,

baby food. “How much is left?”