Later that day, two hours after summer’s darkness became irrelevant, Aunt Kimberly knocked two times on the guest room’s bedroom door, opened the door, popped her head inside, and asked, “Are you settled in, Micah?”
I didn’t mind her trespassing, needing her company, and nodded from the bed. A summer sheet was pulled up to my shoulders, concealing most of my body. The nightstand was occupied by my wallet, a tiny box of tissues, a pair of sunglasses, and a side table light with a Victorian-style shade. I was just getting ready to turn off the light and try to fall asleep when she visited. “As best as I can.”
She moved into the room, cracking the door open and squeezing through its entrance. Her weight was heavy as she sat down on the bed next to me, collapsed against my right side. She ru
