18: HeadlessMelissa jolted awake in a panic, like she was late for the school bus. She surveyed the room and remembered where she was and what was happening. The sun peeked through the slats in the blinds, and she heard a sizzling noise coming from somewhere in the house. She padded across the guestroom floor and entered the hallway. “Uncle Hank?”
“Down here, love. Got bacon in the pan.”
“Smells great.” Melissa traipsed into the kitchen and sat at the counter.
“Want some coffee? Wait. Are you allowed to have coffee?”
“I would love some. And, yes, I’m allowed to have it.”
Hank turned for the carafe, and Melissa giggled at his white bunny slippers and pink robe. “I heard you have lunch plans with Floyd’s granddaughter today?”
She shifted uncomfortably on the stool. “Yah. I kinda got su
