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“I don’t actually.”

She moves her hand from my back onto her lap. “They tend to be very nurturing. They take care of people. Look after them.”

I nod.

She sits back and wipes a tear from her cheek. “They can also be bossy.”

I chuckle at that.

“But they love hard.”

“Yeah.” I smile at a memory. “She sang to me.”

Ebony rears back in shock. “Are you serious?”

I nod.

“Damn. She doesn’t sing for anybody but the girls. She must really…” she trails off as a grin spreads across her face. “Wow. Lucky you.”

We sit in silence for a while before Ebony takes a deep breath.

“The girls are safe.”

I finally look over at her. “Thank you. I was worried.”

“I know. They’re with a babysitter.”

I didn’t realize how worried I was until my shoulders relax in relief.

“They asked about you,” she adds. “Wanted to know when you were coming back.”

“They did?”

She smiles. “They miss you.”

My hand trembles as I pick up Sable’s cup again, taking a long sip. Then I trace my finger along the black marker, caressing every letter.

Ebony watches me, then gives my arm a final squeeze before she stands.

“I’ll keep you updated,” she says. “As soon as I get any news, I’ll come tell you.”

I nod. “I appreciate that.”

She heads back to her side, leaving me alone.

I drink all of Sable’s latte down to the very last drop. Like it’s communion.

It reminds me of going to Sunday mass with the group home. Once, I had the bright idea to drink the entire chalice. My thinking was that the more I drank, the more likely that God would hear my prayer and send me a family who would love me.

Today, I’m older and wiser, but I’m still that hopeful little boy inside, still praying that maybe God will hear my pleas.

45

Julian

Day six.

I’m in my usual spot, my back against the wall, eyes locked on Sable’s door.