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

I have so many questions I’m liable to burst. Adam
squeezes my shoulder, gently. He whispers, “We’ll talk later,
I promise.” But I’m an encyclopedia with too many blank
pages.
James falls asleep with his head in Adam’s lap.
He talked nonstop once he finished his food, telling me all
about his sort-of school, and his sort-of friends, and Benny,
the elderly lady who takes care of him because “I think she
likes Adam better than me but she sneaks me sugar
sometimes so it’s okay.” Everyone has a curfew. No one but
soldiers are allowed outside after sunset, each soldier
armed and instructed to fire at their own discretion. “Some
people get more food and stuff than other people,” James
said, but that’s because the people are sorted based on
what they can provide to The Reestablishment, and not
because they’re human beings with the right not to starve
to death.
My heart cracked a little more with every word he shared
with me.
“You don’t mind that I talk a lot, huh?” He bit down on his
bottom lip and studied me.
“I don’t mind at all.”
“Everyone says I talk a lot.” He shrugged. “But what am I
supposed to do when I have so much to say?”
“Hey—about that—” Adam interrupted. “You can’t tell
anyone we’re here, okay?”
James’ mouth stopped midmovement. He blinked a few
times. He stared hard at his brother. “Not even Benny?”
“No one,” Adam said.
For one infinitesimal moment I saw something that looked
like raw understanding flash in his eyes. A 10-year-old who
can be trusted absolutely. He nodded again and again.
“Okay. You were never here.”