The word you, as in you, my parents, was the main bit. Fuck was not as much of a problem in my house. I mean, see above, it’s a problem, but it’s not a fireable offense. Because Millie believes, or believed, in the freedom of self-expression. But fuck you has never been okay.

“GO TO YOUR ROOM!” Lucy screamed.

So, I did.

I slammed the door so hard my corkboard fell off the wall. I put my headphones on, but I couldn’t even bring myself to play any music. Because who would want to bring the happiest music in the world into this moment?

I was crying on my bed in Greenville, my clothes still smelling of smoke and dirt.

I texted Berry a hand-waving emoji, but she didn’t answer.

ANNE

Hey. Tanner messaged my mom and said we started the fire.

What if Berry’s parents were giving her shit because the Spencers were trying to get her to pay for a lawn she did nothing but save with her hard work after all Tanner’s friends could think to do was pour their beers on it? Maybe Berry wasn’t texting me because she was in trouble because I dragged her to a party because I told her it might be fun and it was the opposite of fun.

ANNE

I really hope they didn’t call your parents too. If they did I’m sorry. I am going to pay for the whole thing. OK?

There was a familiar whining at the door, which I cracked open so Monty could come inside. Downstairs I could hear a back-and-forth of angry whispers. Both Millie and Lucy came from families where their parents yelled at each other. So, with the exception of what had just gone down, both of them almost never raised their voices at each other, at least not when I’m in the house. It should be some sort of signal to them that whenever they do this harsh-whisper routine it drives Monty crazy and she ends up hiding under my bed.

I dragged Monty up on the bed with me because what good is a golden retriever if not to comfort you in a moment where everything is terrible?

My phone buzzed.

GILLY

I’m so sorry.

Monty whined.

ANNE

K

GILLY

Really I am!!!

ANNE

Well Tanner just messaged my mom and the rest of Greenville to say that me and Berry set his lawn on fire and you were a witness so maybe I don’t want to talk to you right now

I waited for a response. Of course she knew about Tanner. Why wouldn’t she? She was his friend.

ANNE

Goodnight.

A set of dots appeared next to Gilly’s name.

Then they disappeared.

Then they appeared again.

And disappeared.

GILLY

I’m really REALLY sorry.

ANNE

Ok