“Come. Let's speak in private.” He reaches for my elbow. I hold my hands up, stepping back again, bumping against the casket.
“Don’t touch me,” I say loud enough to draw attention, but no one looks our way. Only the three shadows behind the man.
He drops his hand. “I’m Cato.”
I lunge forward before I know I’m doing it. I slap him hard across his impeccable face, my palm stinging as though it’s on fire. He pushes me back. I close my eyes and expect to be hit.
“Don’t!” he shouts.
My eyes fly open to see his back is to me and he’s talking to the men. “Stand down.” They don’t look like they want to listen to him, but they do as they’re told. Of course they do.
“I’m sorry,” he starts again.
I don’t want his apology. That’s the last thing I want from him.
I throw myself at him with all my might. I pound my fists into his chest. I don’t even know what I scream, but I know I do. My throat burns from it. My knees give out, and my hands throb in pain. I close my eyes and let go.
I am truly alone in this world.