Chapter 31 – Mother * * * “What took you so long? I’ve been so lonely without you.” There were glistening tears on my sister’s face as she clung tightly to me. Rose is only four years old, but I could tell how smart she is by the way she understands our situation. Rose never acted coquettishly toward my grandmother. She squirmed like a lively worm in my hug but became completely docile in my grandmother’s presence. It was as if she instinctively knew that the old woman would do us no good. “I’m sorry. My friend got hurt and I need to help him a bit. Anyway, how are you? Did anything happen while I was away?” I stared straight into Rose’s eyes. These questions I threw at her had been asked more than once. This four-year-old knew what I was talking about and diligently shook her head t

