Chapter 11Nero hated being away from Z, but as the newest anchor at the station, he had to work both Christmas Eve morning and do the Christmas a.m. show, too. He’d rushed right over after the broadcast on the twenty-fourth. Z wasn’t terribly receptive. He was quiet, sullen, sorry, apologizing to his aunt and to Nero for worrying them.
“I’m just relieved you’re okay,” Nero assured him. “I never want to lose you again, in any way.”
Z hadn’t offered any assurances back. Other than Z being okay and health and happiness wishes for loved ones and the world, that was the one holiday gift Nero wanted for himself.
* * * *
With Z’s brain, heart, and lungs all in fine working order, he was released bright and early Christmas morning, not as early as Christmas sometimes started.
“When Toni and I
