June’s mouth hung open. She looked at Frank. Then at Derek. Then at me. Like she was watching something that couldn’t be real.
I looked at her. “You said that bowl would break the fever and drive out the chill. Those were your exact words that night.”
“My fever broke at the hospital,” I said. “But that chill never left. It’s still in my throat. I feel it every time I talk.”
June’s lips moved. Nothing came out.
“Sophie.” I bent down.
Sophie let go of June and ran to me. She landed in my arms, two little hands around my neck, soft.
“Mommy,” she said. “Are we going home?”
“Yeah,” I said. “We’re going home.”
I carried her toward the door. On the porch, I stopped and looked back.
Derek stood still for three seconds. Then he walked over, opened his arms on the porch, and pulled us both in.
