Chapter 12 - THE FIRST NIGHT UNDER MY ROOF
Emma came to live with us after the court approved the appropriate placement arrangements.
The first night, she stood in the doorway of her new bedroom.
The walls were pale yellow.
A bookshelf stood beside the window.
A small desk held crayons and paper.
And on the bed sat Button, freshly repaired.
Emma stared.
"Is this mine?"
I nodded.
"Yes."
"All of it?"
"All of it."
She looked at the bed.
"Do I have to share?"
"Only if you want to."
She touched the blanket.
Then whispered:
"Can I keep the light on?"
My throat tightened.
"Of course."
She looked toward the door.
"Will you leave?"
I knelt.
"I'll be right down the hall."
She hesitated.
"Will you come if I call?"
I smiled.
"Every time."
That night, she called for me six times.
The first time, she wanted water.
The second, she couldn't find Button.
The third, she thought she heard a noise.
The fourth, she asked whether Lily was asleep.
The fifth, she wanted to know if the window was locked.
And the sixth—
She simply whispered:
"Are you still here?"
I sat beside her bed.
"Yes, sweetheart."
She stared at me.
"Even tomorrow?"
My eyes filled.
"Even tomorrow."
May you like
She smiled faintly.
Then closed her eyes.
