I couldn't argue, because I really didn't like conflict. I liked being on my own. I did everything I could to avoid conflicts. The idea of confronting someone, of raising my voice, of getting into an argument—it made my stomach hurt.
If I told my friends about what happened with Roma, they would be so surprised they probably wouldn't believe it actually happened. Elio also wouldn't believe me. He would think I was lying and just saying it because he said I should fight back. But I had. I had fought back. And I still wasn't sure how I felt about it.
"Teach is so kind," Anna said. "I wish I was as kind as you."
"I wish everyone was as kind as him," Yena said quietly.
Thomas walked up to me and laid his head on my leg. He smiled at me, and I smiled back. Then he closed his eyes, his small body relaxing against me. I stroked his hair gently.
