Chapter 87

The look in Johnny’s eyes went for being serious to disturbed in an instant.

“Don’t do that.”

“Do what?” Craig asked.

After a brief silent pause Johnny’s already small voice came out tinier. “Hope to die.”

Stunned, none of us could say anything. We just stared at his miserable face that was frozen in horror as if he could see all our deaths happening right before his eyes. The drowning grief in his eyes was too much for me to bare. I pulled him close and buried my face in his soft curly hair.

“It’s going to be fine, Johnny. I promise. Just go with Benny and be good, and I’ll be back before you know it alright?” I whispered.

He didn’t say anything. He just threw his tiny little arms around my neck and held on tight. His grip made it hard to breath. It didn’t matter though; my throat was so tight that I couldn’t have breathed even if he were still hugging my legs.