Itwas May Day again. This year, the Gnat had decided not to come. She’d been at a friend’s place and called to say she was spending the night and skipping the trip. He’d given the news to his parents when they returned from a bridge party.
The next morning, his mother started fussing, worrying that the Gnat would change her mind as soon as they’d left for Cainsville.
“She’d call before that,” his father said. “She’s a big girl.”
“I can phone and ask if you want,” Bobby said.
“Would you? That’s sweet.” She patted his back as he walked past. “Whose house did you say she was at again?”
He answered from the next room, his reply garbled, but his mother only said, “Oh, that’s right. Now, does anyone know where we left the tanning lotion? I want to get started early this year. Wait, I think Natalie had it…”
A few minutes later he found her in his sister’s room. “She’s not there. I remember her saying something about going to the roller rink.”
His mother sighed. “I wish she wouldn’t. Those places seem so unhealthy for girls, with the lights all off and so many boys…”
“I can talk to her about it tomorrow if you’re worried.”
Another pat as she zoomed past, tanning lotion in hand. “Thank you, dear. You’re a good brother, even if she doesn’t always appreciate you. Did you pack that pie you made?”
“Pie?” His father appeared in the doorway. “Bobby made pie? Apple, I hope.”
“Shepherd’s pie,” his mother said. “He made it last night while we were out. Didn’t you notice the mess when we got home?” She glanced over. “So youdidfind hamburger meat in the freezer.”
“One last package, like I said.”
“I was so certain we’d run out.” She headed for the hall. “All right. Time to go.”
Thewaitresses at the new diner let him warm his casserole in the oven. He was sitting in the back, watching the timer, when the door swung open and Rose burst in, Hannah at her heels.
“That smells good,” Hannah said. “Is it true? You made pie?”
“Shepherd’s pie. I hope you’re not still mad at me. I’m…” He lowered his voice as he walked toward her. “Sorry about the last time. That’s why I made the pie. For you and Rose. To say I’m sorry. For the elders, too. I don’t want anyone to be mad at me.” He gazed into her eyes. “I hope you’ll have some.”
She seemed nervous, but forced a smile. “Sure, Bobby. And I’m sorry, if I overreacted. You scared me and?—”
“What have you done?”
It was Rose. She hadn’t spoken since she’d entered. He hadn’t even glanced her way, seeing only Hannah. Now he looked over to see her standing in front of the oven, staring at it. When she turned to him, her face was even paler than usual, her blue eyes bulging.
“What have you done, Bobby?” she whispered.
“Done? What?—”
“I had a dream,” she said. “Last night.”
“More dragons,” he scoffed. “Dreams of me and screaming dragons.”
“No.” Her horrified gaze never left his. “It wasn’t dragons I heard screaming.”
“Whatever.” He turned away. “You’re crazy. Your whole family is crazy.”
“Where’s your sister, Bobby?”
He shrugged, his back still to Rose. “She stayed home.”
“Where is your sister?”She said each word slowly, carefully, and he was about to reply when the door opened again. He turned as Mrs. Yates and two of the elders walked in. They seemed concerned. Only that. Then they stopped, mid-stride. They inhaled, nostrils flaring, and when they turned to him again, horror filled their eyes, the same horror that crackled from Rose’s wide-eyed stare.
“Bobby,” Mrs. Yates said. “What have you done?”
