Page 81 of Merciless Monster

“Sorry,” Angelo puffs and runs back to the door. “What’s for dinner, Mommy? I’m starving.”

“Cheeseburgers.”

“Woohoo!”

How easy is it to please a kid? Meat and cheese in a bun and viola! I’ve given up on decorating the plate with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. We’re in Texas now.

“Wash your hands, sweetheart.”

It looks like there is about a pound of dirt under my son’s fingernails. I guess he’s embracing the outdoors. I’m so relieved that he’s enjoying himself. I live to make this child happy.

“How was school today?”

“It was great. There’s a new boy. His name is Fred. Now I’m not the new kid anymore.”

“Oh, okay. It’s your birthday next week. I was thinking of baking some cupcakes for you and your classmates. What do you think?”

“Great idea, Mom.”

“Mom? What happened to Mommy?”

“Hey, I’m almost six now. I can’t call you that anymore. I’m old now.”

My heart! I don’t want Angelo to grow up. I wish I could bottle him while he’s still cute and loves his mother more than anything else in the world!

“I see.”

“Don’t worry. I still love you,” he mumbles nonchalantly through a mouth full of food.

“Well, that’s good news,” I smile, ruffling his hair.

I have an early appointment tomorrow morning for a job interview at a doctor’s surgery. I know my way around medication, so it will be an easy adjustment. I didn;t want to make it too easy for Dante to find me so I’m steering clear of pharmacies for now.

I don’t like this life of hiding and overthinking my every move. It’s getting to me. The other day I could have sworn I saw someone following me. It turns out he was one of the dad’s from school who happened to shop at the same store as me. I felt like a drama queen all day.

“Can you drop me off early tomorrow, Mom? I’m playing a new game with Fred.”

“Okay. What’s the game?”

“It’s complicated. You won’t understand.”

Well, excuse me.

“Sure, honey. We’ll leave early. Are you done?”

“Yup. Can I go watch some TV?”

“Put your plate in the sink and then have a bath. When you’re clean you and Splash can watch some TV. Okay?”

“Okay.”

* * *

“Hi, Mom. How are you?”

“Hi, Sweetheart. I thought I’d call you for a quick catch up.”

“That’s nice. I’m all good. How are you?”