That was the same night I met Liam.

The more she leaned on me, the more protective I became. Some instinct in me kept growing — possessive, overwhelming. Sometimes, selfish thoughts crossed my mind. Thoughts I hated them. I wished she were older. Those things could be different. But she was just a child. I knew that. Still, we kept meeting.

We visited a small playground once. She snuck out again just to see me, I think we both were running from something.

I remember bending near a sprinkler and accidentally cutting my thumb while trying to shut the water off. Blood dripped slowly, and strangely, it didn’t heal right...