I stared at the ground and kicked at the dirt with the toe of my sneaker. My brain was telling me to turn and keep running – to get as far away from my step-brother as possible. But my body refused – something in me was keeping me rooted to the spot, as if I were pulled to him by an invisible magnetic force.
“Kimmy.” His voice dropped to a low tone, serious now. I could tell that he knew now that he’d really upset me. Well, good, I thought. He deserves to feel guilty – just let him .
I folded my arms and looked away, setting my jaw and saying nothing.
“C’mon step-sis – Kim, look at me!” he pressed, his voice strained and more sincere than I’d ever heard it. “Come on, Kimmy – aw geez, Kim…”
I shook my head and stared at the ground. I dug my fists into the side of my body and willed myse
