Chapter 56

“You rest, honey, and we’ll talk when you’re up in the morning.”

Henry didn’t say anything. He put his feet up on the bed and turned toward the wall. He kept his eyes shut tight and listened as his mother crossed back toward him. She reached down and awkwardly, and with some difficulty, loosened the quilt beneath him. She tossed it to the end of the bed. She then bent to loosen his shoelaces and take off his shoes. She pulled the cover back up and over him, tucked it in around him, and then ran her hand down the length of his body. Henry’s shoulders went up as he felt her lips, cool, on his cheek as she kissed him. “Sleep tight,” she whispered.

She turned out the light, and the room was plunged into darkness. The windows opposite him turned into slate gray rectangles. Henry could see stars. He listened as she opened and closed the door behind her.