he gritted his teeth.  “Your sister’s here.”  Bradley was confused.  Kristin was in her room, her mom had checked on her.  The party spilled out to the patio, everyone wondering who the visitor was that upset the birthday boy.  Brody turned, trying to shelter Bradley from the crowd.  She leaned into his back, trying to hide her face.  “It’s nothing,” he said.  “Go back inside, I’ll be right in.” 

 

            Bradley could see someone else step next to Brody.  The stranger reached for Bradley’s hand and gave her a reassuring squeeze.  She exhaled slowly knowing it was Mark.  She was finally safe.        

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