Chapter Thirteen:
Kevin laughed out loud, a light laugh at first, but it quickly turned into clear mockery.
And he said while looking at the lamp that I was holding up with my trembling hand:
"Do you think something like this would hurt me? How ridiculous you are."
I felt the insult slowly creeping into my chest, but I didn’t lower the lamp. Deep inside, I knew that his words were true, and that this small thing I was holding onto wouldn’t stop him if he wanted to hurt me. Yet I held onto it as if it were the last thing left of my strength or courage.
But Kevin didn’t show any further interest. He simply turned toward the door as if my entire presence no longer mattered, and said in a completely normal tone:
"It’s good that you’re okay."
I paused for a moment. His words were unexpec
