“When you were sick or hurt, you wanted someone beside you?” He sighed. “Yeah.” “Of course you did. All kids do.” His features relaxed when she stroked his brow, so she kept doing it. “Did your mom ever keep you company when you didn’t feel good?” “Sometimes. Until Dad came home.” “Hmmmm.” Slowly, she eased her weight down onto the mattress at his side. “My dad left before I was born. But when she wasn’t working, my mom would sit next to me whenever I got sick. Bring me juice or flat soda or whatever I needed.”
