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“When was it written?”
She checked the publication date. “Twenty years ago.”
John laid back down and stared at the ceiling for a moment. “I know other kids' books.GoDog Go. Green Eggs and Ham.Shit. I have kids.”
Ember smiled. “You’re a father.”
He looked at her. “That makes me…really sad.”
She moved to the bed and sat next to him, then took his hand. “Why?”
“Because there are kids out there wondering where the hell their father is.”
“That means they’re looking for you.”
“Unless I was a bad father. Then they might be glad I’m gone.”
She shook her head. “Not even possible.”
“They can’t be little kids.”
“Well, they could be. But more likely teenagers or early twenties.”
He looked at the ring-shaped tan line on his left hand again. “That would explain the missing ring.”
“You have a wife somewhere.”
He shook his head. “That still doesn’t seem right. When I think about that. Which I have. A lot. I just feel empty and sad.”
She squeezed his hand. “This is progress, John.”
“Is it? I’m more confused than ever now.”
“You need sleep.”
“Agreed. But needing it and getting it are two different things.”
“I’ll stay with you until you fall asleep.”
“And hold my hand?”
“Yes. For as long as you need me to.”
Chapter five
"How do you feel about omelets?"
When Ember came into the kitchen the following morning, John was sitting at the table with a cup of coffee and a stack of Aaron’s books.
She poured herself some coffee, then sat across from him. “Getting in some reading?”
He smiled at her. “I was hoping it might spark something.”
“Any luck?”
He closed the book he was reading and set in on top of the others. “Nope. I did have a dream last night, though.”
“A memory dream?”
