28

ANGEL CLOSED THE STORYBOOK AND SET IT ON THE NIGHT-

stand beside the bed. “I had a fun time today, Michael.” She handed him his bedraggled, stuffed raccoon.

“Me, too.” Michael plunked the animal next to his pillow. “Angel?”

“Hmm?”

“Are you gonna be here tomorrow?” He made a big pretense of arranging the raccoon’s paws just right, and his eyes didn’t meet hers.

“Of course I will, Michael. I had a great time today.” She almost reached out to tousle his hair but stopped her-self. Yes she’d be here, but he was already so attached to her, she shouldn’t encourage more. How would he handle it when she did have to go home? “I’ll send your dad up, okay?”

“Okay,” Michael mumbled.

“Good night.” She pulled the covers over his shoulder.

“G’night.”

At the bedroom door, Angel watched him slip his hat back on his head then settle down. One arm wrapped around Rocky, Michael curled the rest of his body around the toy and pulled the covers tight as if shielding them both from the outside world.