I stopped in front of Kelly’s room. He was sleeping too. I placed my hand flat against the door. I whispered, “I won’t let anything happen to you. No matter what.” I laid the comforter on the floor, making a little nest. It wasn’t going to be comfortable; the floors were wood and the comforter was thin. But it would be enough for now. I lay down in front of Kelly’s door. Just for a few hours, I told myself. Just to make sure. As the night wore on, I listened to the sound of his heart, memorizing every beat and tick and stutter. At one point it sped up, as if he were dreaming. I told him that
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