“I want to go home, Daddy,” Sammy tells me. “I don’t feel good.”
“Not long now, Sam. I promise. Daddy’s gonna get you home soon. And then we can play with your toys. Maybe watch a cartoon. How does that sound?”
“Okay, Daddy.” He leans forward and kisses my hand. “Will Mammy be there too?”
My heart sinks to the floor.
The nausea returns and I close my eyes. “Of course she will, boy.”
I pull him close and kiss his forehead, swallowing the angst like bitter medicine.
I listen to the sound of footsteps above me as Janet rustles around, hopefully making good on her promise. I don’t hold out much hope of her changing her mind about letting us go. But food and water is a start. Maybe I just have to chip away at her good side. One step at a time. Try to get on her wavelength. Or close enough
