[Ellie goes quiet, trying to figure out how to tell the next part of the story. It's something that's confusing even now, though she knows exactly what he wanted from her. It still makes her skin crawl, makes her stomach turn over.]

He told me he was trying to convince the others that I could come around. That I was special. And loyal. That I had heart.

[The words feel disgusting as she says them, as if she can still hear him whispering them along with her in his too-soft, too-gentle voice. His hands had been leathery, cool, and slightly damp.]

I let him get close. Poker face, you know? Touched his hand. Looked him in the eye.

Broke his fucking finger.

[She glances sideways at Riley, knowing she'll appreciate that part.]