2018
December 4
The idea comes to me when I overhear Poe speaking with his mom on the phone. After babysitting Merry for the afternoon, I come home late, and when I close the door behind me, Poe is talking in the kitchen.
“I’m sorry, Mama, but I can’t.” He listens for a while, then continues. “You know why. I want to spend the day with Auden, and he isn’t welcome. And frankly, after last year, I don’t feel like even trying to get along with Dad and Dale anymore.”
I shrug out of my coat as he listens to whatever his mom says, then I tiptoe into the kitchen to let him know I’m back before giving him space for his call. But when he sees me, he smiles and snatches my hand, pulling me close as he continues his conversation.
“I know, Mama. I love you, too. But I won’t go back to the house w
