CHAPTER 10Matt got home at sunset. His mother stood on the back porch, waiting for him. Her voice sounded shaky, but she tried to control it and smile a little.
“Matt,” she said. Her eyes were wet, but she kept trying to smile at him. “Oh Matt—are—are you all right?”
“Sure,” he said.
He looked at her. Her face was pale and her eyes dark underneath. She didn’t look mad or sound accusing—just glad he was home safe. But he’d given her a very bad time; he could see that. He was sorry, especially when it was all for nothing.
She gripped his arm with both hands and leaned toward him a little. Her hands were trembling. When he touched one of her hands and held it for a moment, it was cold.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I’m sorry.”
“You’re back. That’s all that counts. You must be starved.” She ope
