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All the air in h whoosh, and I shoved Deacon away from me as quickly as I could

For once I was able to uard by ony pierced at my chest and made it hard to pull in a breath at that innocent, innocent question

I’d been so careful not to kiss Deacon in front of Keith the last few days, because one good-bye kiss froht had nearly devastated my son, and had absolutely destroyed me

"Keith," I said breathlessly "When did you wake up?"

He looked up toward the ceiling for a second, then shrugged "I donno Deaton, are you--"

"Keith, stop!" I pled, and fell to ripped Keith’s shoulders and pulled hi in my voice "Buddy, stop Reoing to happen"

Again, it felt likeI wanted to tear ht come into our lives in the future

Keith’s nearly identical question on Wednesday night had destroyed me I’d barely rief and the torrent of sobs

I didn’t want to go through it again Not now Not when I couldn’t escape hirassy place?" Deacon asked warily, and my eyes shut in pain

"Deacon, don’t," I whispered nant pause before he asked hesitantly, "Does he want me to take him there?"

"Deacon!" I meant to shout his name, but I would have been surprised if he heard it at all My head fell so I was staring at the ground when I said, "If I could, I would walk Let me walk away"

For once, Deacon didn’t push, and I was thankful for it I felt so beaten down froet ain, and I kneouldn’t have been able to keep it together if Deacon forcedto steady o Do you need to use the bathroom?"

He shook his head quickly, and whispered, "Morassy place Is that okay? Moo"