I wipe away the tears that slide down my cheeks and try to take in air as I lean back against the tree. Valeria is silent beside me, but scoots closer and wraps her arm around me, bringing my head down to her shoulder, consoling me as I had done for her earlier. I breathe her in and let our proximity bring me comfort, and slowly it becomes easier to breathe.
“I’ve never told anyone that story,” I whisper.
“Not anyone?” She asks sadly.
I shake my head, “Most people fear me or just won’t give me the chance to plead my case. Others attack first, just wanting to be the one to kill me.”
Valeria tightens her hold on me, “I’m so sorry, Izzy.”
My head snaps up and tears once again pool in my eyes, “What did you just call me?”
“Sorry, that was rude to just go giving you a nickname. It just ki
