Shatter-Me-PDF-Shatter-Me-Series-Shatter-Me-Shatter-Me-1-Tahereh-Mafi (1)

and
bleak.
Suddenly I’m acutely aware of my impractical outfit.
Suddenly the wind is too callous, too cold, too painful as it
slices its way through the crowd. I shiver and it has nothing
to do with the temperature. I look for Warner but he has
already taken his place at the edge of the courtyard; it’s
obvious he’s done this many times before. He pulls a small
square of perforated metal out of his pocket and presses it
to his lips; when he speaks, his voice carries over the crowd
like it’s been amplified.
“Sector 45.”
One word. One number.
The entire group shifts: left fists released, dropped to their
sides; right fists planted in place on their chests. They are
an oiled machine, working in perfect collaboration with one
another. If I weren’t so apprehensive I think I’d be
impressed.
“We have two matters to deal with this morning.” Warner’s
voice penetrates the atmosphere: crisp, clear, unbearably
confident. “The first is standing by my side.”
Thousands of eyes snap up in my direction. I feel myself
flinch.
“Juliette, come here, please.” 2 fingers bend in 2 places to
beckon me forward.
I inch into view.
Warner slips his arm around me. I cringe. The crowd starts.
My heart careens out of control. I’m too scared to back away
from him. His gun is too close to my body.
The soldiers seem stunned that Warner is willing to touch
me.
“Jenkins, would you step forward, please?”
My fingers are running a marathon down my thigh. I can’t
stand still. I can’t calm the palpitations crashing my nervous
system. Jenkins steps out of line; I spot him immediately.
He’s okay.