Page 51 of Elsie's Strong Shelter

Glancing over her shoulder, she spied Dean and her dad walking Boo around the perimeter of the play area. Both their heads were ducked as Boo kept his ears perked and eyes on alert.

“Is that serious?” Her mom asked, the side of her mouth ticked up.

“Could be,” she admitted, unable to stop her smile. “Maybe. We’ve found something beautiful in this mess, and I hope it can grow once we’re out of the weeds. He makes me feel treasured, special. Like I’m worthy of all the love in the world.”

“My darling girl, you are all those things. And if he makes you see that, makes you feel it, then don’t ever let him go.”

Her face fell. “I want to tell Mila all about him. I hope I get the chance, but I’m scared that’s not going to happen. Every hour that passes my hope diminishes. I can’t imagine a life without her. A life Jimmy would have without his mom.” A lump formed in the base of throat, stealing the rest of her words.

“If the worst happens, we’ll be there for him in every way we can. You’ll make sure you raise him the way Mila would want—to love him the way Mila would. We all will.”

Her mom’s confidence in her made the lump in her throat swell, and she nodded.

Jimmy waited his turn behind a line of children at the top of the slide. When it was his turn, he yelled, “Elsie! Come catch me!”

“Coming buddy.” She wiped the moisture from her eyes and shoved the whistle in her coat pocket. She arrived at the base of the slide just as Jimmy shot out the end, crashing into her. She fell to the ground with Jimmy landing on top of her.

“Ouch, my knee.” Jimmy cried and rolled to sit on his butt. He scootched his knees to his chest. His joggers were torn, and red scratches marred his skin. “I’m bleeding.” He sniffed back tears but couldn’t stop the high whine of his voice.

“Let me see. Okay, it’s just a little scrape. You’re okay.” Understanding that Jimmy was more sensitive now than usual, she made sure to remain upbeat and positive. Any wrong tone or words would send him into a tailspin.

“But there’s bloodeverywhere.”

She fought not to laugh at his exaggeration.

Her mom rushed over, her purse now slung over her shoulder. “Nana’s here, baby. Let me take a look at it.”

Elsie stood and wiped her dirty palms on her jeans. “He’s fine. A little bump won’t bring you down, will it?”

Tears hovered above his dark lashes. “It hurts, Nana.”

“I’m sure it does,” her mom said, kneeling beside him. “How about we go into the bathroom and get you washed off?”

Jimmy nodded and struggled to his feet. He hobbled to the cement building on the other side of the play set that housed the restrooms and a pavilion filled with picnic tables.

Dean appeared by her side. “Is everything all right?”

“He fell and scraped his knee. Not a big deal, and nothing that would usually affect him. All his emotions are right on the surface today.” Boo nudged her hand with his wet nose, and she rested her palm on the top of his head.

Her dad draped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her in for a quick side hug. “Understandably. This is hard for all of us, but most of all for Jimmy. The boy’s allowed to shed a few tears over a minor bump.”

“I agree,” she said, wishing she could do more to take away Jimmy’s fear. Unfortunately, she didn’t have that power.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out to find a text from her mom.

Jimmy’s really upset. Can you come help?

She sighed and shoved her phone back in her pocket. “That’s Mom. She needs me to help with Jimmy. I’ll be right back.”

She weaved around the play set to avoid the crush of children enjoying the evening, mulch crunching under her tennis shoes. The sun still hung in the sky, although it had started to dip toward the mountain peaks. A subtle wind rustled through the leaves. Hopefully she could help calm Jimmy so they could squeeze out more fun before heading home.

Turning the corner of the building toward the restroom, a flash of movement caught her attention.

A man shot out from the shadows. His hair was shaggy, and face covered in a few days’ worth of scruff. Mud stained his jeans and black hoodie. He grabbed her bicep and pulled her close to his side, shoving the barrel of a gun against her ribs. “Don’t try anything stupid. I’d hate to kill you in front of your family.”

20

Dean stared after Elsie and watched her disappear around the side of the building. The ache in his chest intensified. “Man, that poor kid. Watching him struggle is so freaking tough. I don’t know how anyone can be a parent. It looks so damn hard.”

---