Chapter 6 - Final Judgment
The woman dropped to her knees.
The fabric of her jeans pulled tight.
She was eye-level with the green sweater.
The boy stood with his arms crossed over his chest, his chin lifted.
She smiled, the lines around her eyes softening.
She reached out, pushing a stray brown curl out of his eyes.
Her hands framed his small face.
She pressed her lips firmly against his cheek.
He uncrossed his arms and threw them around her neck, burying his face in her beige sweater.
"You taking care of mommy?"
She squeezed him tightly, her eyes closing.
"Mommy tired."
His voice was muffled against her shoulder.
From the kitchen, heavy footsteps paused.
The man stood by the washing machine, looking back at the living room.
"Can I have my remote back now?"
The boy’s head snapped up.
He peered over his mother's shoulder, still locked in her embrace.
His eyes narrowed at the man in the kitchen.
"No!"
The woman threw her head back.
May you like
The sound of her laughter filled the room, drowning out the television completely.
She pulled the boy closer, resting her chin on his small shoulder.
