Chapter four
“Wish you’d tell me what’s on your mind.” We’re in her bed; the now familiar shadows pulsing with warmth. She’s resting her head on my chest. Her hair smells clean as the first day of summer. “If I sleep forever I’ll die.” The bed squeaks as she shifts positions. “ You ain’t sleeping, baby.” If I’m not asleep than both of me exist and here at Becker Lake I’m as real as the sand and mud stuck to my shoes. I am not an image in my own longing, but flesh and bone. I live – happy. I shake my head, clearing the sudden sensation of waking up off of me. “Stay forever, okay? It won’t hurt for very long.” “What won’t?” After a silence she tells me. “The poison.” I can sense her biting her lower lip, a look of pleading straining her features. “The kids adore you.” I never wanted children, but now that I’ve taught a tomboy girl how to fish and played catch with an exuberant boy I do. I don’t care that they’re not my own. I don’t care that t...
