“I know. I just hate taking a kitten from its mother.”
The cat nosed the kitten again and meowed. Hannah nodded, said, “I understand,” and very gently lifted the little black ball in both hands. The cat meowed again, but it didn’t sound like protest. She gave the black kitten one last look, then shifted, letting its siblings fill the empty space against her belly.
“You’ll need to feed it with a dropper,” Rose said. “We can get books at the library and talk to the veterinarian when she comes back through town.”
Hannah nodded. “I’ll take him home first and ask Mom to watch him.”
They got to the end of the walkway before they seemed to realize Bobby wasn’t following. They turned.
“Do you want to come with us?” Hannah asked.
He did, but he wanted the milkshake with Mrs. Yates too, and if the girls were busy, he’d get the old woman all to himself.
“I told Mrs. Yates I’d meet her at the diner,” he said, not mentioning the milkshakes.
Rose nodded. “Then you should do that. We’ll see you later.”
“Is your family coming for Samhain?” Hannah asked.
“I think we are.”
Hannah smiled. “I hope so.”
“Make sure you do,” Rose said. “It’s more fun when you’re here.”
He couldn’t tell if she meant it or was just being nice, but it felt good to hear her say it and even better when Hannah nodded enthusiastically. He said he’d be back for Samhain, and went to find Mrs. Yates.
Onthe way home, his grandmother asked about his visit with Mrs. Yates. She was trying to get him to admit that he’d tattled on her. Even if he had, he certainly wouldn’t admit it. His grandmother might say he was too smart for his age, but sometimes she acted as if he was dumber than the Gnat. Finally, she pulled off the highway, turned in her seat and said, “Did Mrs. Yates ask how things were at home?”
“Yes.”
“And what did you tell her?”
“That they were fine.”
She put her hand on his shoulder. It was the first time since he’d admitted to the dreams that she’d voluntarily touched him, except to pinch or slap.
“You know it’s a sin to lie, Bobby.”
“I do.”
“Then tell me the truth. Did you say more?”
He hesitated. Nibbled his lip. Then said, “I told her Natalie was being a pest.”
Her mouth pressed into a thin line. “That’s not what I mean.”
“But you asked?—”
“Did you sayanythingmore?”
“No.” He hid his smile. “Not a word.”
Amonth later, as Samhain drew near, he mentioned it over dinner.
“We aren’t going,” his mother said quietly.
“What?”
