Page 54 of The Dirty Saint

I crouch down, opening up my arms. The boy is reluctant, but after a gentle shove from Nana, he runs over to me.

“This is the best hug I have ever gotten,” I say, brushing the hair out of David’s eyes.

“Doesn’t he give the best hugs,” Nana asks.

I nod.

“He sure does. Now, David, why don’t we take a quick look at you to make sure there are no boo-boos?”

I check out the child’s arms, legs, torso, and face, making sure that there isn’t any glass or deep cuts on his skin. All I can find are some bruises and scratches, but nothing that needs desperate medical attention.

“And, Nana, I think that you should get checked out too. Just for safety reasons.”

“Oh, no,” she throws her hands up in surrender, shaking her head. “I am okay. A little dirty, but otherwise, I am fine. I just want to get David home.”

“I understand; however, you both should be looked at by a professional.”

“But—”

“No buts,” I say. “This is far too important.”

Nana picks up the small boy, who lays his head on her shoulder.

“You know, you’re just like my son, Joey. He’s also very persistent.”

“Sounds like my type,” I laugh.

“He’s very handsome.”

I smile.

“I’m sure he is.”

I wave as Nana and David drift away, their bodies becoming nothing but blips in my vision. I then drop my head into my hands and allow the sobs that I have suppressed to make their grand entrance into the world.

During

JOEY

“Ezra, look at me,” I say.

“Joey.”

“Ezra,” I say again. “Look at me.”

When her eyes meet mine, I cup the side of her face with my hands. She shudders.

“Don’t turn away,” I whisper. “Even though I know you want to.”

“Of course I do,” she says. “You’re looking at me like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like,” she answers, “Like you want to kiss me.”

“What would you do if I did?”

“You can’t,” Ezra says. “We can’t.”

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