Page 45 of Bear Strength

“Listen,” I start, “the guys and I’ve been thinking, and we decided it might be best for you and your mom to stay here, with us.”

“For real!?” Dominick jumps up from the table, almost dropping the plate.

“Hey, hey!” Danica smiles at him. “Watch it.”

“Sorry, I’m just excited,” Dominick explains. “Can we stay here, mom? Can we?”

“Well, I’m not sure…” I see her looking at me, for confirmation, so I just nod. “I guess we could stay for a while.”

“That’s awesome!” Dominick exclaims. “Wagner promised to show me how to pull a whole bike apart and then put it back together again!”

Wagner gives her a look, and she just smiles.

“That’s fine,” she assures him. “As long as you guys are careful.”

“Of course,” Dominick nods, taking another bite of his pancake.

“Why don’t you take that plate over to the other room and watch some TV?” Danica asks Dominick.

He looks confused for a moment, but seems to get it immediately. The adults need to speak. He smiles, picks up his plate, and disappears, as he’s instructed. Danica looks at me, her face a tapestry of love and concern. I guess that’s what everymother looks like all the time. But, I want to remind her that she doesn’t need to worry about a thing. We’re here.

“I hope you don’t mind,” I start, once sure the three of us are alone, “Wagner shared with us what you told him.”

“I just wanted - “ Wagner starts, but she interrupts him.

“That’s OK,” she nods. “I doubt I’d be able to tell that story again. Every time I talk about him, I feel like a little part of me dies. And, I’m tired of slowly dying on the inside.”

She glances over at the door, as if afraid that Dominick might pop his little head out, but there is no one. She continues, with a lowered tone of voice.

“I’m really grateful that you guys offered us to stay here.”

“That offer is unconditional,” Adrian replies this time.

“I agree,” I confirm.

“It is possible that the letter in question was just a benign example of a kid’s prank. But, it could just as well be something much more sinister,” Adrian speaks again, and we all seem to shudder at the thought of that sinister something.

Still, none of us is afraid. We’ve lived several lifetimes, and we’ve met more than one such character. Men who think it’s alright to raise their hand to a woman get a special treatment with us. I remember one of Violet’s previous boyfriends. He needed to be straightened out a little. We were more than happy to oblige. Luckily, he was smart enough to know to leave her alone after we were done with him. This guy obviously isn’t so smart. That’s alright. There are ways to teach obedience to a stupid dog.

“Honestly,” Danica suddenly starts, taking a seat at the table, “I don’t want to leave Swallow Springs.” She looks at each of us, her gaze lingering long enough to assure us that she cares for us, that we are all in this together, no matter what. “I’ve made friends here. I found people who care about Dominick and me. I found a job I like. I know it’s nothing much, but I like it, andthat’s more than enough for me, right now. This place feels like home, after so many places that just felt like stops on a never ending journey to nowhere.”

She places her hands on the table, palms upward. Adrian, to her left, puts his hand in hers. Wagner to her right, does the same. Together, we form a circle of hands. A unity. An alliance. Harmony.

“You have no idea how much this means to me,” she whispers.

I can see little tears sparkling in her eyes. Her beautiful eyes that won’t be crying anymore. I’ll make sure of that. We’ll all make sure of that.

“You can stay here as long as you want,” I continue. “Once we’re sure it’s safe for you to return home, you will do so.”

I didn’t say that I’d rather she didn’t return. I’d rather have her stay here. I’m sure the guys feel the same way. But, none of us says anything. We just enjoy the moment.

CHAPTER 20

I wake up, and check the time. It’s 2 am. I try to get comfortable, but I always found it difficult to sleep in a new bed. I slowly get up, hoping that Dominick has no such troubles. I pass by the little room which he’s sleeping in, and I hear steady breathing through the door which is slightly ajar. Happy that at least he’s able to get a good night’s rest, I tip toe out of the little shack.

When I open the door, I almost jump in fright, at seeing the shadow of a man, standing right before me.

“Hey, hey…”

---