Nora clapped.
Clap ... clap ... clap, clap, clap.
Silas clapped the same rhythm in return.
“He’s my student,” Nora said calmly.
“How often do students show up at your house late in the evening?” Ink asked.
“Only on the days they fall on me,” Nora said. “Move aside, son. He’s not a threat.”
“I’m so sorry, Ms. Manning,” Silas rushed out. “Are you okay? They wouldn’t tell me anything at school.”
Nora sighed. “Normally, I wouldn’t invite a student into my home without their parents present, but under the circumstances, I’m going to make an exception. Let’s talk inside, if you’re comfortable.”
As we made our way inside, Nora whispered, “I’m going to downplay my injuries to Silas. Do you think you can keep my son’s big mouth shut when I do?”
I laughed. “I can try.”
“And let's try to keep that donut pillow out of Silas’s sight.”
“Are you sure? I don’t think you’re going to be able to sit long without it.”
Nora chuckled, “You misunderstood. I want to use the pillow, but I don’t want my student to see it.”
“Gotcha. Not a problem.” I grabbed a throw blanket from the couch as we passed and used it to cover the donut pillow before she got settled in her recliner.
“Please come in and have a seat,” Nora said to Silas, who was hovering by the front door.
“I don’t want to be in the way or anything. I just wanted to see if you were hurt. Are you?”
I grabbed Ink’s hand and tugged as I walked toward the kitchen.
“Can you show me where your mom keeps her cups and silverware? I’ll get her dinner ready while you guys are talking to the boy,” I said.
Ink stopped at the entrance to the kitchen and released my hand. “Cups are in the cabinet to the right of the sink. Silverware is in the drawer by the dishwasher,” he said, never taking his eyes off the large boy in his mother’s living room.
“Thanks,” I said loudly. “I’ll be right out with this. Oh! What does she like to drink?” I asked.
“Bottled water with a flavor packet. Water is in the fridge. Packets are in the drawer beside it.”
“Got it. Thanks,” I said and tugged on his shirt to get his attention. When he turned to me, I leaned up and gave him a quick kiss on the lips, hoping I’d given Nora enough time to discuss her injuries with Silas.
When I returned with Nora’s dinner, she smiled and whispered, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” I said and moved to stand beside Ink, who was still staring down the kid like he’d intentionally hurt his mother.
“So, what was the fight about?” Nora asked.
Silas leaned forward and rested his elbows on his thighs. “I’d rather not say,” he said quietly and began fidgeting with his fingers.
“Can you tell me the reason you’d rather not say?” Nora asked carefully.
“My sister.”
Nora nodded thoughtfully.
“Isaac, honey, I think you and Dice might be able to help. Silas is eighteen years old, and he’s been the only one taking care of his younger sister since they were in elementary school. I’m taking a guess here, but based on who he was arguing with, I’m thinking that boy threatened Silas's sister Skylar. Is that something you fellas deal with?” she asked sweetly.
