“I have a long day tomorrow. I should get some sleep.”
“You’re visiting Lily after school?”
“Coach said I could miss practice.”
I watched him climb the stairs.
For several minutes, I remained in the living room surrounded by half-folded clothes.
My heart felt impossibly full.
I believed shaving his head was the kindest thing Aaron could have done.
I had no idea it was only the beginning.
The following afternoon, I was seated at the kitchen counter trying to finish an email when my phone vibrated.
Diane’s name appeared on the screen.
I smiled as I answered, certain she was calling about Aaron’s shaved head.
“Hi, Di. Has Aaron arrived yet? I probably should have warned you. I nearly dropped the laundry when he came downstairs. How is Lily feeling?”
“Rachel.”
The way she said my name stopped me.
Her voice was tight, almost distant.
