Gasping for breath, tears still running down her cheeks, Misa shot awake and found herself still in Royle’s bed. The room was dark, lit only by the lamp that sat on his desk. The curtains were drawn, but Misa could see that it was still daylight.
“Misa?” Royle’s voice sounded from the shadows. Misa heard him shift around before the curtains were drawn to let the light in.
Misa blinked at the brightness. She sniffled, her heart still aching at the memory of what she saw. At what Royle had been put through at such a young age.
The bed sank at his weight, and he peeled her hair from her tearstained cheeks.
“Are you all right?”
“R-Royle.” Misa hiccupped. She threw her arms around him, her heart squeezing. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” The terror in that boy’s eyes, th
