Chapter 65

I don’t want to go inside, Noah signed, looking up at me with misery in his eyes.

We have to say goodbye to Papaw, I signed.

No!

We have to!

I don’t want to go in, Daddy.

Please?

No!

Why?

He went away.

I know he did. And we have to say goodbye.

We can’t say goodbye because he’s dead.

He can still hear us.

Everyone goes away. I hate it!

That’s not true. I’m here.

But you’re going to go away too.

I am not!

You’re going to go to B-o-s-t-o-n with J.

Who told you that?

K.

Really?

She said you’re in love and you’re going to go away just like Mom did.

I shook my head slowly

It’s true, he insisted in his stubborn fashion.

I’m not going anywhere. Neither is J. What’s wrong with you?

Papaw hated me.

He did not.

He hated me and I hate him.

Don’t say that.