Page 84 of Half Dead

“How many trials?”

“Three.”

“Always three.” Goran scratched the side of his body with a webbed foot. “Then what are you doing here talking to me about my curse?”

“I’d asked for the research before all this happened with Lucifer.”

“Yes, but now you’re preoccupied with the sanctity of your own life, or at least you should be. I’m stuck in this form, but I’m alive. If you don’t focus on these trials and tribulations, you may not be so lucky.”

“You only need to refer to them as trials. The tribulations are implied.”

“Don’t try to distract me with language lessons.”

I flicked a spray of water at him. “I’m touched by your concern, Goran.”

“English doesn’t have to be my first language to detect sarcasm.”

“No sarcasm, I promise. I am touched, but there’s no need to worry about me. I can handle myself.”

“What does the next trial involve?”

“No idea. I don’t get an agenda in advance.”

“I don’t like this.”

“Nobody likes this, except Lucifer.” And maybe Josie, a little.

“You care too much for others at the expense of yourself. It isn’t healthy.”

I almost laughed. “Since when isn’t it healthy to care about others?”

“That isn’t what I said. Listen carefully to the part where I say, “at the expense of yourself.””

“I can handle it.”

Goran padded his webbed feet, causing ripples in the shallow water.

“What?” I prompted.

“Nothing.”

“Just say it, Goran. You know you want to.”

“Fine. I think you feel you have something to prove, but I want you to know that isn’t true.”

I grunted a dismissal. “I don’t think that.”

“Yes, you do. You have a need to prove your worth to others. This is why you do so much for strangers like me.”

“We’re strangers now?” I blew out a dismissive breath. “Okay then.”

“I’m not intending to insult you. I have gratitude for your efforts on my behalf.”

“You’re welcome.”

“I’m only saying that you shouldn’t feel it necessary to help everyone in order to earn their love. You would deserve love even if you sat on the sofa all day and ate potato chips.”

I smiled. “Only if they’re barbecue flavored. Then I’d be living the dream.”

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