Page 195 of Devil's Bargain

“I know. I’ll be back next week.”

I look around my small bedroom at the collage of photographs on the wall opposite my bed. Nina’s bedroom is right next to mine. I have three lights on in my room. The desk lamp, my bedside lamp, and a free-standing one near the door. Ever since the basement, I can’t sleep in the dark.

“How’s your mom?”

“Struggling, but my sister is coming to stay with her.”

“That’s good.” I loosen the drawstring in my lap and pour out a single tooth. The thick roots seem to stretch on for miles. I wonder how he died? I never asked.

“I have to go. Promise to phone me if you feel another panic attack coming on.”

“I promise!”

“I love you!” she says, making silly kissy noises that make me laugh.

“Love you even more, you crazy bitch!”

“Bye.”

“Bye, Nina.” I disconnect the call, then drop my phone on the bed and pick up the tooth. “I hope you suffered, dickhead!”

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