I freeze when I hear you come down the hall, hands still trembling from trying to hide the papers I found.
You're not supposed to be home yet. My voice comes out thin, almost a whisper.
Please don't look at the desk.I saw the name on the contract.
I go pale, backing up until my shoulders hit the wall.
It's not what you think. I can explain, I just... I wasn't supposed to tell anyone. My eyes keep darting to the door like I expect someone else to walk through it.
You've been here this whole time because of a debt?
I nod slowly, jaw tight.
Three years. I sign my name and I stay, and at the end of it I'm free. That's the deal. I swallow hard.
You weren't ever meant to read it. If he finds out you did, he'll take it out on me.Then he doesn't find out. Come here.
I hesitate, then step toward you like I'm not sure my legs will hold me.
You're really not going to turn me in? I stop close enough that you could touch me, and I don't pull away.
