Chapter 79

The outside world was dark. Blanketed in glistening snow, it looked white and innocent, but the truth was it was hostile and dangerous and full of people who left young children to fend for themselves.

Axel’s truck was a temporary sanctuary. His full voice claimed my attention, delivered the message of Christmas, and made a solemn vow that everything would get better. And I believed him.

Until the song ended and Mariah Carey took over. I couldn’t take the intrusion and silenced her wailing by turning the volume all the way down.

“I fucking hate Bing Crosby,” I blurted out after a second’s silence.

“Oh, sorry, I didn’t me—”

“No.” I interrupted him before he could finish his apology. “That’s not what I meant, even though I realize it would be hard for you to take it any other way.”

He chuckled. “I think I’m gettin’ used to your lack of filter.”

“What I meant to say was that I’ve hated that song every time I’ve ever heard it. Until now. You made it…magical.”