BASTIAN
Shit.
Shit.
Shit.
The problem would only get bigger if we involved more people. It had been hard to talk about my true identity with Penny, and every time someone new got involved, everyone was at risk. I felt the pressure to protect those around me from suffering the consequences, which pushed me to act more like Ulises, flawless in my performance. More and more people would depend on me and the daily act I'd been putting on for three years.
"No," I adamantly refused her request.
I got up from my seat. She mirrored me.
"We can't let that guy get away with it. We have to do something," she followed closely behind to continue arguing with me.
"You think I've never tried to accuse and betray him?" I asked her. My throat hurt. I didn't want to shout, but the anguish choked me.
