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“Were you in here with Belle?”
He nods.
“Then you were being brave because you kept her safe. And I’m so glad you were in here, with her.”
He sniffles. “Really?”
“Really. Now, let’s get dressed. I think I want donuts for breakfast.”
I shouldn’t spend any extra money right now, but we need to get out of the apartment, and school drop-off doesn’t start for an hour.
“Can I get one with sprinkles?”
“Of course.”
He smiles and changes his clothes while I make sure his backpack, Belle’s diaper bag, and my school bag are packed. When everyone is dressed, we make our way out of the apartment, being as quiet as we can.
Mrs. McCarthy can’t hide the horrified expression on her face when she sees me.
She takes Belle’s carrier and asks, “Are you okay?”
“I’ll be fine.” The lie rolls right off my tongue. “Sorry we’re so early.”
Her gaze searches mine. “Don’t be sorry. Look, I know it’s not much, but I have a couch that you are more than welcome to sleep on.”
My eyes water, and I nod. “I might take you up on that.”
“Good.” One of her kids calls her name, and she glances over her shoulder before saying, “Well, I better get back in there before there’s cereal on the ceiling.”
I laugh, knowing she’s mostly kidding. Her kids are great, just like her. I take Chip’s hand in mine, and we make our way outside.
“Brr. Do you think it’s going to snow?” Chip asks as he skips along next to me.
“I hope not. It’s too early for snow.”
He launches into a story that I half-heartedly listen to as we make our way to a nearbyDunkin' Donutsstore. Chip gets his sprinkle donut and a chocolate milk while I grab an iced coffee.
“Do we have time to sit?”
“We do.”
He picks out a table by the window, so we can people watch. Chip loves watching people, making observations about them. And I’ll do anything to make my little brother happy.
“Oh, look! That lady has a dog in her purse. Can we get a dog?”
“We don’t have a yard for it to play in.”
He frowns. “Yeah, you’re right. Beckham has a fish. Can I get a fish?”
“Maybe.”
“I know what that means.”
I smile. “What does it mean?”
“Maybe meansno.” He pauses. “Is it because we’re poor?”
“Who said we’re poor?”
