Over the past several days we had been here, I had seen a lot of bravery and kindness from my friends. Daine had gone back and forth, delivering as much information to me as she was able. Stan and Beverly and Eponine had come to my defense when Peter had begun to act out physically against me. Rosie and Regan had taken up the task of keeping people fed and keeping them calm, especially Luke, who had been so brave.

All of that meant so much to me, all of them wanting to help me, being true friends in all the ways Peter never had, it was what had changed me. Eddie most of all.

I almost laughed, but instead I reached out and I held Eddie's face between my hands. I knew I couldn't kiss him like this, so I just held onto him.

"I know," I said. "Because you're amazing. And we'll be okay, I promise. I will be okay. He won't be able to hurt me, not with you here."