She Erased Him, For Her Son

Cook

l of his profound ignorance. I packed Leo's things, then my own, working with a frantic, almost manic energy. Every item I placed in a box was a

ag slung over my shoulder, and walked out the front door of the house I' d called

ck sedan pulled into the driveway. Eli

tentive, almost solicitous. He was playing the part of the devoted host, the reliable companion. It was a rol

short distance. A flicker of panic, quickly masked, cross

her supposed "apartment emergency." She saw me, then Leo, her brow furrowin

hielding him slightly with my body.

this is Chelsi, my new protégé. Chelsi, this is Elsie... my assistant." He pau

ing of betrayal, of being denied, was dull now, al

t Elijah, then at Chelsi, his small face unreadable. "Hello, Mr. Melton

Not even when Elijah had insisted on it when company was around. Leo always forgot, a

rs. He looked up at me, his lip trembling. "Mommy," he whispered, his vo

to a fierce hug. "Yes, baby. Yes, we can go

isingly tight. "Wait, Elsie! Leo, what did you just cal

ou expect him to call you, Elijah?" I asked, my voice dangerously calm. "You told him himself. Repe

ted Leo. "Not now, buddy. Remember, 'Mr. Melton' when we're outside." The st

my arm away. "

d. "Elsie, no. You can't just... leave. Not li

awkwardly by the car, watching the scene unfold with wide, curious eyes. "Expl

si, then back to me. Reluc

on my skin. I gave him a cold, mocking sm

lled out the snake-shaped gift wrapped in birthday paper. "Leo, buddy! Happy birthday! Here, I got you

sweet smile on her face. "Yes, Leo! Elijah picked it o