Katherine

“Even the strongest blizzards start with a single snowflake.”
― Sara Raasch, Snow Like Ashes

“Ella finished her burger and dug into a side of fries. Hi watched, enraptured.
She couldn't help but notice. “Would you like one?”
“What? Sure.” Hi smiled, made no move.
After a moment, Ella nudged the bowl his way. “Careful, they're still hot.”
“Oh, no problem.” Hi fumbled for a fry. “I like food that's hot.”
I caught Shelton slowly shaking his head.
“Oh, shoot!” Ella winced. “I forgot to stop by the office. My mother had to drop off my shin guards.” She slid her fries over to Hi. “Enjoy. They're hot, which apparently you like.”
“Got that right. Hot hot hot!” Hi awkwardly shoved another fry into his mouth.
“Okay, wow.” Ella gathered her things, then brushed my cheek with a kiss. “Later, Tor.” Shouldering her bag, she hurried from the cafeteria.
A loud thunk drew my attention back to the table.
Hi's forehead was resting on his tray. “Tell me that wasn't as bad as I think.”
“Worse,” Shelton said. “So, so much worse.”
Then head rose, then thunked back down. “I don't remember parts. I think I lost time.”
I patted his shoulder. “That's probably for the best.”
“Such.” Thunk. “A.” Thunk. “Dumbass.” Thunk.
Shelton laughed nervously. “See? That's why I don't talk.”
Hi's face shot up. “Tell her I have brain seizures. A serious medical condition. Or that I have an evil twin who sometimes takes my place, but can't talk for crap.”
“Got it," I promised. His head dropped once more.”
― Kathy Reichs, Exposure

“Move along,” Hines said. “Last room down.”

I spotted a fish tank halfway down the aisle. Dug into my pocket.

“Hi,” I whispered. “Distraction in five. Four. Three...”

I broke off as we neared the tank.

Hi spun. “Yo, warden. When do we eat around here? I'm hypoglycemic, plus I've got a hernia. And rabies simplex D. Basically, I need a ton of pills or my arms will fall off.”

“Boy, you're on my last nerve.”

As Hines glared at Hiram, I palmed the flash drive and dumped it into the fish tank. The yellow-and-black rectangle tumbled to the bottom.

So long, friend. Let's hope Shelton's email went through.

“It's a cultural thing,” Hi was saying. “I think you're being very insensitive.”

Hines snorted. “Do you want me to cuff you?”

“Kinda.”

“Hi.” I nodded.”
― Kathy Reichs, Exposure

“Dreams are not real; but when you are inside a dream, it is real to you.”
― Sherry Thomas, The Burning Sky