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POLLY

Sadie went into the basement.

This is not good.

If she sees Tegan down there… Well, I’m not sure what she’ll do. She may be seven years old, but she’s a smart kid. She’s got to realize what’s going on.

I need to deal with this situation.

I approach the basement door, my heart pounding. The lights are on inside, and as I get closer, I can see Sadie standing there, on the third step from the top. It’s like she’s frozen, afraid to go any deeper into the basement.

“Hello?” Tegan’s voice calls out. “Polly?”

Oh no.

“Sadie!” I hiss at the little girl. “Sadie, you shouldn’t go down there!”

Sadie swivels her head to look back at me, her big blue eyes luminous. Her mouth is open, but no words are coming out.

“Who’s there?” Tegan calls out from her hospital bed. Her voice cracks. “Is there someone there? I need help! Please help me!”

I make a split-second decision. I wrap my fingers around Sadie’s skinny wrist, and I tug her in the direction of the basement door. Obediently, she follows me, stumbling on the top step. When we’re out of the basement, I shut the door behind us. Sadie is staring at me.

“What were you doing down there?” I snap at her.

“I heard a noise,” she says in a small voice, which makes me immediately regret my harsh tone. “I thought you were down there looking for cookies, and I wanted to tell you that Fig Newtons would be okay too. If you were out of Oreos.”

I can’t get my heart to slow down. My hands are shaking badly, and I have to wrap them around my chest. “You shouldn’t have gone down there.”

Sadie’s chin wobbles. “I’m sorry.”

“That woman down there,” I say, “that’s…that’s my cousin. She’s been very sick. Really, really sick. And I’ve been taking care of her.” I pause. “And nobody can go down there because you’ll catch her sickness.” I pause again. “Do you understand?”

“You’re taking care of her?” Sadie asks slowly.

“That’s right.”

“Because you’re a nurse?”

“You got it.” I manage a tiny smile. “She’s going to get all better, but I don’t want you or anyone else to get sick like she is.” I ask again, “Do you understand?”

She nods solemnly.

“Also,” I add, “don’t tell anyone about this. Because if people knew, they would want to visit her, and they might get sick. So let’s keep this just between you and me. Okay?”

“Okay,” Sadie says quietly. And I believe her. She’s going to keep my secret.

“Good girl.” I lay a hand on her delicate shoulder. “Now I’m going to pack you some Oreos to go home with. And if you ever want food again, just come by, and I’ll make you whatever you like. You don’t have to wait until you’re really hungry.”

Except next time, I’m going to have some food ready in advance so I can give it to her and send her on her way. I can’t risk having anyone in the house while Tegan is down in the basement. Even Sadie.