But I do manage to run this scenario over again and again in my mind at least fifteen times and wonder how it tore her up so easily. Neither of us speak during the time it takes for her to dress, because I’m not sure what to say, and I don’t think she wants to say anything. Crossing the room in five quick strides, I pick up June’s clothes and then toss them over to her. She’s a woman, and I suddenly feel like a punk teenager who deserves to have his butt kicked for keeping a woman’s clothes from her. One thing is for certain: June is not the same girl I used to know. What I thought was nothing but a fun little teasing exercise is making her full-on cry. June-the bold, give-it-right-back woman-has a tremble in her voice that I’m pretty sure is because of tears streaming down her cheeks. Can you for once do something nice for me and give me my clothes!” Please, just.I don’t want to come out there like this. Just.” She’s definitely talking through tears. I lean against the side of the stall to listen closer. I’m not totally sure, but I think June is sniffling in there. I’m smiling in the silence, waiting for her zingy comeback, but the more time that passes, my smile fades.

“You’re not afraid, are you? The girl I used to know would have already been halfway across the room by now just to prove that she could move faster than me.”

“Oh, come on, June,” I say, moving closer to the changing stall again. It’s time for some good old-fashioned goading. Okay, so maybe this will take a little more work.

Bees Can Solve Puzzles by Learning from Each Other

The enemy by sarah adams read online