1269_UgliesFreeBook

UGLIES 403
She knew there was no simple fix. Maddy and Az had
worked for twenty years to no avail. But they couldn’t leave
Shay like this.
Of course, the moment she was cured, her hatred for
Tally would return.
Which was worse: a friend with brain damage, or one
who despised you?
They reached the edge of the ruins after midnight, and
boarded down to the abandoned building where Tally and
David had camped.
David was waiting outside.
He looked exhausted, the dark lines under his eyes visible
even in starlight. But he embraced Tally the moment
she stepped from the board, his arms tight around her, and
she hugged him back hard. “Are you okay?” she whispered,
then felt idiotic. What was he supposed to say to that? “Oh,
David, of course you’re not. I’m sorry, I—”
“Shhh. I know.” He pulled away and smiled.
Relief flowed through Tally, and she squeezed David’s
hands, confirming the realness of him. “I missed you,”
she said.
“Me too.” He kissed her.
“You two are just so cute,” Shay said, combing her hair
with her fingers after the windy ride.
“Hi, Shay.” David gave her a tired smile. “You guys look
hungry.”