Page 96 of Haze of Obedience

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"Don't say stuff like that."

"I need air. Can you go do your thing?"

I exhale. "Don't open the door." I go into the bathroom and quickly do my business.

The moment I step out, she begins to open the door, but I shut it with my palm.

She jumps.

"What are you doing?" I bark.

"Leaving."

"You can't just yank the door open and step out."

"Says who?"

"Says me."

She rolls her eyes. "By all means then, do whatever it is you need to do so I can get some air."

"You have to move for me to do that."

"If you would step back, I could move."

"Fine." I obey.

She shoves past me and waits with her arms crossed over her chest.

"Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?" I mutter.

"Yeah, I woke up next to you," she mumbles back.

Yep. I messed up big time.

"Zoe, I—"

"I really need air. Can we please go?"

"Fine." I slowly inch the door open and stick my head outside to make sure no one is around. I shut the door.

"What are you doing?"

"It's raining."

"So? Let's go."

I go to the closet and open the drawers. "Bingo." I pull out two ponchos. "Put this on."

We put the rain gear on. I take her hand to lead her outside, but she snatches it back.

"Are you going to hate me all day?"

"Never said I hated you."

I snort. "Could have fooled me."

"Can we go, please?"

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