Ramirez Gonzales.
I rub a towel through my hair. Damp, wet strands fall across my eyes, watering onto my face and down my neck. When I look into the mirror, I am almost startled. My bloodshot face is looking back at me—dark hollows. Just as I reach for another towel to dry my hair, a knock comes at the door.
“Come in.” I say, my voice comes out rough.
To my surprise, it’s Noah. I toss the towel onto the bed. We’d talked earlier, just simple things while mowing the lawn. He’s still stuck on Naruto, same as when we were younger.
“Hey.” He steps in. “I, uh, picked up some ointment for you. I know you’ve probably got a whole collection by now, but…” He scratches the back of his neck, then tosses the tube my way.
“Thanks.” I catch it, setting it on the table with the stockpile Ariel and M
