Sophie looked at me. I couldn’t make myself smile.
She ran to June. June scooped her up and held on tight.
“Sophie,” June said, her voice sweet and light, “what did Grandma give Mommy?”
Sophie’s little hand clutched June’s collar. “Warm.”
“That’s right. Warm,” June said, smiling at me. “Not hot, right?”
Sophie nodded.
“See? Even the child knows.” June held her up like she was stating a fact. “Kids don’t lie.”
I stared at Sophie. She wouldn’t look at me. She buried her face in June’s shoulder.
Derek stepped forward. “I’m taking you to the hospital.”
I looked at him. Finally. One decent sentence out of his mouth.
“Okay.” I nodded. Took a step toward the door. Reached for the handle.
June’s voice came from behind me. “You can go. The child stays.”
Derek’s hand stopped on the doorknob.
“This is my house.” June walked to the door with Sophie in her arms, each word slow and deliberate. “I bought this house. My son lives in my house. My granddaughter lives in my house. You’ve got a fever and you’re raving. If you want to leave, go alone. Don’t take my granddaughter out into the night air.”
