Page 80 of The Destruction You Desire

I'm trying to be as positive about all of this as Aunt Fee but with each hour that passes, it's getting harder.

"How's our boy?" I ask, hoping to steer the conversation to something lighter.

"He's good. He's right here."

"Hi, PeyPey."

"Hey, baby boy. How are you doing? Have you had a fun day?"

"We painted you a picture," he says, his soft voice washing through me and making me feel that little bit brighter.

"Oh yeah. What's it of?" I ask, curling into my chair but keeping Libby's hand in mine.

"We put your favorite flowers on it."

"Aw, I can't wait to see it."

"When are you coming home?" Sadness edges into his voice and it makes my heart crack a little.

"Soon, baby. I promise."

"Okay, good. I miss you."

As he says those final three words, something happens.

"Oh my God," I squeal, jumping from the chair. "Libby? Libby, are you awake?"

"Peyton?" Aunt Fee calls down the line.

"She squeezed my hand," I say, not knowing where my cell has gone. "She squeezed my hand," I repeat, already not believing that I really felt it.

"Libby," I breathe. "I'm here. I'm here and everything is going to be okay."

I stare at her, willing her to do something else. Anything to prove to me that she's finally coming back to me.

Come on. Come on,I will silently.

"What else have you done today, buddy?" I ask Kayden after long silent seconds, knowing that it was his voice she reacted to.

"Umm… we went to the store. Aunt Fee bought me my favorite candy because I've been a good boy."

"That's awesome, sweetie. Did you eat them all?"

"Nope. I'm saving some for after dinner." I smile at my sweet boy.

"Aw, that's good. Did you watch your cartoons today?"

That question sets him off and he embarks on a full rundown of what he's watched today.

Finding my cell still on the chair I was sitting on, I move it closer to Libby so she can hear him.

"That's your boy, Lib," I whisper to her, my eyes burning with tears. "If you're going to do this for anyone, do it for him. Please."

He chats away like nothing huge is happening while I wait patiently for another reaction from my sister.

Finally, he runs out of steam, and I have no choice but to bring the call to an end so he can have his dinner.

"You be a good boy for Aunt Fee tonight, young man."