Page 192 of Crew
I scooted back until I felt the wall, flipped back the bedcover, and patted the place next to me. "Scootch in."
He looked to the door again, indecision on his face, and then let out a small breath. His tiny shoulders slumped as if he'd lost what little fight he had. He sank into the bed, clasping the covers tight over his shoulder, and looked at me, lying on his side. I moved closer, mirroring him so our foreheads almost touched.
We didn't talk, but a fresh tear welled, pooling on the bridge of his nose. I reached over and smoothed it away.
"Mom and Dad are going to be gone all day today. I checked their phone calendar."
How Robbie could do that, I had no idea, but I wasn't surprised.
"Why aren't you crying?" he whispered.
"I can't."
He nodded as if this made perfect sense. "I wish I were like you sometimes. You're the strong one, Kenz."
Strong? Was that my role in the family?
I tried to muster a smile, but I knew I failed. I probably looked like the Joker instead. "Can you sleep?"
"I'll try. Can we stay here all day?"
"I'm going to try."
That seemed okay with him. He closed his eyes and a settled look came over him, one that resembled peace. But I knew it was a lie. There was no peace. Not anymore.
