The phone was on speaker. I listened in a daze as my boyfriend Charlie Bond's voice filled the air.The woman, Denise Gordon, spoke with a hint of guilt in her tone. "How was I supposed to know? It's your fault for not being clear!"Charlie let out a soft chuckle. "Right, right. It's all my fault. My little princess, can you tell me where you are now? I'll come pick you up."Denise rattled off an address, and Charlie's voice instantly sharpened with worry. "It's not safe out there at night. I'm on my way."A cold dread washed over me.Denise had only stormed out in a fit of anger, yet Charlie was already worried about her safety.But for thousands of nights, I had been carrying my crude equipment alone, dragging my ruined leg through the streets to busk. I hadn't dared to stop, even when I was burning up with a fever.I had been forced to leave by police officers, harassed by thugs, and sung until my throat bled, all for a handful of spare change.Back then, Charlie would hold
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