Page 97 of Burn

“You two are incorrigible.”

When I tell them about the drugged drink and the attack, all teasing vanishes. Their silence says more than their words ever could, and Kendall’s chin quivers. Olivia leans forward, staring at the screen.

“Turn toward the window,” she softly commands.

I specifically chose this spot, with my back to the window, because it hides the dark bruise I worked to cover with makeup this morning. I pick up my laptop and spin. The blue bruise is clearly visible in natural daylight on my face, although my thick concealer and foundation mute it.

“Oh, Lex,” Kendall sniffles, and a tear streaks down her cheek.

“Guys, can we not? Please.” I don’t want a Monday morning pity party. I’m working diligently to relock Aaron and his bullshit back in the box I’ve kept it tucked in since high school, and these two coming apart over it wedges that particular lid wide open. “I processed this shit over years of therapy. I’m okay. I just really need to pretend it never happened and continue focusing onthisyear’s brand-new trauma. Wanna trauma dump about my burnt-to-a-crisp apartment again?”

“One question,” Olivia says quietly, her eyes trained downward.

I sigh. “Shoot.”

“How wet were you when Adrian white knighted the shit outta you? Absolutely soaked?”

Kendall, who’s wiping at her eyes with a tissue, completely loses her mind. Her head falls into her hands, and her shoulderssilently shake. I can’t tell if she’s sobbing until her head snaps and her mascara streaks down her cheeks as she laughs. “Olivia,” she says between laugh-laced sobs. “You’re a freak.”

I mouth the words, ‘Niagara Falls,’at the same time my phone lights up with a text from Adrian. My cheeks ache from smiling as I unlock the screen to read his message.

‘A courier is at the front desk with a registered letter for you. They need you to go down and sign it. Hope you’re having a good day, baby.’

I interrupt the girls to tell them I need to run downstairs. Both sound disappointed to have to return to their regular work. We agree to chat in the morning. I close my laptop and head down to the concierge.

An older man is working the desk, one I’ve never seen, and he tips his hat as I walk up. This building appears to operate on an endless supply of staff. The only consistent one is Scotty, who works the evening shift. I sign for the letter, and when I step into the elevator, I read the front of the envelope; it’s from my insurance company. It’s thick, indicating that it contains several pages inside.

I’ve been waiting for this moment, but it still catches me off guard as if I wasn’t expecting to ever go home. I wait to get back into the apartment and tucked onto the couch to tear it open.

Subject:Final Contents Settlement and Reimbursement Summary – Policy #4728-93T-LEXD

Dear Ms. Donnelly,

We hope this letter finds you well during what we understand has been a difficult time. As part of your ongoing claim following the recent fire at your residence, we are writing to provide you with a detailedsummary of items documented by our field adjuster during the property inspectionon July 26th.

Attached to this letter, you will find an itemized list of household and personal belongings eligible for reimbursement under your current policy. Each item includes a brief description, estimated replacement value, and the actual cash value reimbursement based on depreciation and policy coverage limits.

Funds will be released via direct deposit within 5-7 business days of the date on this letter. If you choose to replace any items and submit receipts, you may be eligible for recoverable depreciation under the Replacement Cost coverage portion of your policy. Instructions on how to submit proof of replacement are included in this packet.

Additionally, we anticipate repairs on your condominium to be completed on August 3rd. Your agent will reach out to you closer to that date to arrange a walk-through and return to your residence.

Should you have any questions or concerns about the provided breakdown, please do not hesitate to reach out with your assigned claims agent, William Luis. His contact details are provided below.

We understand this process can be overwhelming and want to thank you for your patience. We are here to support you as you return home and rebuild.

Warm Regards,

Torhaven North Insurance Company

Eighteen pages of itemized details follow the letter. Itisincredibly overwhelming. I read the letter two more times and then review the claim payment summary and instructions forreplacement reimbursement. Millie hops onto the couch and snuggles in beside me as I read through the pages.

How do I have this much stuff?

The insurance company divided the items into categories by room and then subcategories that included furniture, clothing, decor, electronics, and more. Around page seven, my eyes start to glaze over, so I focus on the value of the items, pausing if something seems too low or too high. I’m reviewing my bedroom contents when a price catches my attention. I trace the line back to the left to see what, outside of my mattress, in my room, is valued at hundreds of dollars.

I need more coffee, because I’ve apparently forgotten how to read. I read the words again and again, but they don't make sense.

Security Monitoring Device - Bedroom Wall

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