1269_UgliesFreeBook

DOWN THE RIVER
Before leaving, Tally wrote a letter to herself.
It was Maddy’s idea, to put her consent in writing. That
way, even as a pretty, unable to comprehend why she would
ever want her brain fixed, Tally could at least read her own
words and know what was about to happen.
“Whatever makes you feel better,” Tally said. “As long
as you cure me, no matter what I say. Don’t leave me like
Shay.”
“I’ll cure you, Tally. I promise. I just need written consent.”
Maddy handed her a pen and a small, precious piece
of paper.
“I never learned penmanship,” Tally said. “They don’t
require it anymore.”
Maddy shook her head sadly and said, “Okay. You dictate,
and I’ll write it.”
“Not you. Shay can write it for me. She took a class,
back when she was trying to get to the Smoke.” Tally
remembered the scrawl of Shay’s directions to the Smoke,
clumsy but readable.