As Hope falls. On the stairs. Ascending. And descending. Paulo is right there to catch her. Hope nearly collapse from exhaustion, hunger, thirst, and grief.
But Paulo won't allow it. He supports Hope. When she needs it most. When she needs him most.
Dylan runs to catch up. With Hope.
Hope leans on Dylan for support. But he looks to Paulo. With a question in his eyes. And a nod to him.
Paulo picks up Hope. And carries her. Up the stairs. All the way. To Hope's room.
To make room for Hope.
Dylan draws back the covers. And gets Hope's favorite blanket. Simply Shabby Chic. Seafoam green.
Paulo settles Hope in bed. Comfortably adrift. In comfort.
Much needed. Now.
Hope tells them everything's all right. Knowing it's the right thing to say. To comfort them.
Hope's pretending. It's just another day.
Of saying everything's fine. And that she's fine.
"Not to worry. I'll be fine. I'm always fine. You know that," Hope whispers.
As Hope drifts off to sleep.
But they know.
Something's clearly wrong.
Something's clearly wrong.
And the drum beat carries on.
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Jacob Sugarman
Kerry Lauerman
Salon.com
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