“Are you okay?” She dropped down beside it. “My name is Lani.”
“G-go away.” The words were more a rasp.
“I can’t leave you out here alone when obviously something is not right.” Going on instinct, she place a hand on his back. “Is that you, Mikey?”
He moaned.
“What’s wrong?”
“N-not well.”
“I can see that. Come on, we’ll get you back to town. It’s not far, and I’ll call Jake.”
“No!” The word was desperate.
“All right, we won’t call him, but will you let me take you home?”
“No! Not to my home.”
“Okay, to mine then,” she soothed.“Up you get now.”
She took his arm and helped him rise. Even under the shadows of the trees, she could see his color wasn’t good. He was shaking, and sweat beaded his brow. Putting her arm under his shoulder, she helped him walk back along the trails. Buddy trotted ahead, leading the way back into town.
Lani made small talk about the Spud Festival tomorrow. Mikey said nothing. His tremors increased, and by the time they reached town, his teeth were banging together.
“D-don’t l-let anyone s-see me.”
“Okay, it’s going to be okay,” she said, leading him down behind the shops.
Unlocking the door to the Howlery, she helped him inside and then up the stairs. Pulling back the covers, she sat him on the edge of the bed.
“I’m taking off your shoes now, Mikey, and your shirt, as it’s smelly. Then you get into the bed.” He didn’t fight her.
She covered him to his chin, then Lani hurried back downstairs to get a bowl in case he was sick. She turned on the lamp on the side table when she returned—that had appeared yesterday. Mrs. C and Hank were always putting things up here. The place was so full of stuff, it was hard to walk in a straight line.
“You need to tell me what’s going on, Mikey.” She leaned over and had her first good look at him. He was pale, sweaty, and shaking. “Have you been feeling sick for a while, or has this come on suddenly?”
“S-sudden.” He closed his eyes, and she watched a tear leak out.
Buddy jumped on the bed and settled on the bottom. Bandit nudged Mikey’s chin. Lani pulled back the covers, and the cat curled up against his chest.
“Did you eat something?”
He shook his head.
“It’s okay now.” Leaning over, she gave him a hug. Lani wasn’t big on contact with people, but this boy needed it now. As she rose, someone knocked on the back door downstairs. Mikey grabbed her hand.
“I-I—Don’t t-tell anyone.” His eyes were desperate. “Pl-please.”
“Okay, I won’t answer the door now, but Mikey, a doctor has to look you over soon, because I don’t know what’s wrong with you, and that’s worrying me.”
His eyes shot away. He was hiding something from her, she could feel it. This wasn’t just a boy feeling sick; this was more, and it scared her.
The second knock on the door rattled it on its hinges.
“Whoever is knocking is not going away, Mikey. I’ll be back, okay. But I won’t let them in, I promise.” Hurrying down the stairs, she found Noah outside the door when she opened it.
“Hi.” He stood there in a long-sleeved navy T-shirt and sweatpants. He was wearing sneakers, and his hair was damp. He did not look sexy at all.
