Page 22 of Ringo's Silence

“What are you playing?” He asks Remmy.

“It’s a game where I can steal cars, run from the cops and get money.” Remmy answers honestly and I just shake my head.

I was never excited about him wanting to play such a game. I actually didn’t let him for a long time.

Then about a year ago, he and I had a long talk about what was right and wrong. What was illegal in real life and the consequences for those actions.

Once I was convinced he understood, I allowed him to get the game. He’s had his nose stuck in it ever since. I can’t really complain because I know he’s still just a kid and doesn’t have any friends other than the few he plays with when he’s able to get online.

Plus, let’s face it, there’s very little for a kid to do when constantly on the road.

The two of us have been all across the United States, never staying in any place for very long. I did try to once and we barely escaped again.

If it hadn’t been for my neighbor at the time who was always too nosy about what everyone else was doing, I’d probably be dead by now.

I have no illusions about what Hugo will do to me when he ever finds me or of what he might do to my son. I’ll never let that happen.

“I’m all finished. Everyone ready to go?” Bella asks, coming from the kitchen right as we all hear a bike pulling into the parking lot.

“Let’s get you two back home.” Ringo says, standing up from the seat and waiting for us.

I’m surprised and relieved by his words. I don’t have to worry about where we will lay our heads, at least for tonight.

We all follow Bella out of the door, saying goodnight when she hurries over to her husband's bike, getting on as she clasps her helmet.

I’m surprised yet again when Ringo follows me to the passenger side, opening the door for me to get in before closing it firmly.

Remmy gets in the back without a word and barely looks up from his game.

I usually limit the amount of time he’s on it but the last few days, I’ve let him play as much as he’s wanted.

We all ride in silence all the way to the cabin, all of us getting out and walking to the front door. Ringo unlocks it and holds it open for us to walk through.

Remmy heads straight down the hall, only stopping at the sound of my voice.

“Where are you going kiddo?” I ask, my heart beating fast at the thought of being completely alone with Ringo.

“Bed. I’m tired and I want to get up early tomorrow to explore outside some more.”

“Okay. Goodnight.” I say to his retreating back.

Looking over at Ringo, I give him a small smile, hoping to cover my nervousness.

“Thought I’d stay... to talk about your car.” He says, taking a seat on one end of the couch.

“Oh, yeah. How bad is it?” I ask, moving over and taking a seat on the other end.

“It’s...uh... going to take a while. The parts...they are on backorder.” He says and my heart sinks at the realization that I won’t be getting my car any time soon.

I sit all the way back with my hands over my eyes to hide the tears welling up in them.

What am I going to do? That car was always our one saving grace. Without it, I can’t move on but I also can’t afford another one.

“I have a car...you can use it.” Ringo’s voice draws my eyes back to him as I hide a small sniffle. “It’ll at least give you a way... to get around town, to work or wherever you need... to go close by.”

“That’s awfully generous. We’re already taking up room in your house. I tried to look for something cheap around town so you could get your room back.”

“Already told you...stay as long as you need.” He says quietly.

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