Page 23 of Light

I pretend to be scandalized when he tells me he wants to eat marshmallows for breakfast and he pretends to be shocked when I threaten to ground him from cartoons for even suggesting it.

For a few precious minutes, it feels normal. Light. The heaviness of the letter in the kitchen drawer fades into the background.

When the therapy cycle finishes, Tyler pops the vest off with a triumphant grin.

"Freeeeedom!" he shouts dramatically, flinging his arms wide and darting out of the room in socked feet, heading for the living room like the cartoons might disappear if he doesn’t get there fast enough.

I stay kneeling on the floor for a second, just watching him go.

I wipe at the corner of my eye before the tear can fully fall.

One more morning. One more victory.

Dragging myself up, I head toward the kitchen. It’s time to get breakfast started.

He might want marshmallows, but he’s getting eggs and toast.

At least for today.

***

The day went by quickly.

Tyler and I went through his homeschooling studies. He chatted with some of his online friends. He tried to explain yet another one of his anime shows to me. All in all it was a good day.

The threatening letter, the last thing on my mind.

But now that the sun is setting it's all I can think about.

I don't want Tyler to be afraid but I also don't know how to protect him without letting him know there's something for me to protect him from.

I hate Deke. I hate that he just won't get the hell out of my life. I regret ever meeting him.

My fingers absent mindedly play with the frayed edges of the throw blanket I have draped over my lap while I sit on the couch next to Tyler. He's completely engrossed in his show and I'm grateful for the quiet time. I didn't want to waste the money on getting the gun but now that I know Deke and his men have access to inside my home I don't think I have much of a choice. I'll just pull the extra funds I need from the grocery budget. Tyler will just have to do with not have his snacks for a little while. I can get more canned food from the food pantry in town. I'll make it work.

"Oh, your friend is back." Tyler says in a sing song tone breaking me out of my daydream.

"What?" I question.

In that moment, I hear the sound of a motorcycle coming down the street. It could be anyone but my body starts to tingle and my heartbeat ticks up. It's Light.

"He's not my friend, just an annoying neighbor."I grumble but still quickly get up from the couch.

Tyler looks up at me with a big grin on his face, "Sure, Mom."

Now it's my turn to roll my eyes. Her doesn't know what he's talking about. He's just a little kid. He doesn't know.

I wipe my sweaty palms on my jeans and make my way to the front door, trying not to look as eager as I feel. Light's bike roars closer before quieting into a soft rumble right outside the house.

I don't even ask myself why he's here. I don't have the energy to lie to myself tonight.

And maybe, maybe part of me is just glad he's here.

I pull the door open before he can knock. Light is standing there with a cocky grin and two gas station plastic bags dangling from his hands like he’s Santa Claus in biker boots.

He holds up the bags proudly. "I come bearing gifts."

I eye the colorful logo peeking out from the bags, then narrow my gaze at him suspiciously. "You brought sugar to a child with breathing issues?"

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