He nods, so I sit beside him and look off in the direction he’s staring. It’s nothing out of the ordinary, just a view of the property.
“This was my favorite spot when I was little,” I say. “It felt far enough away from everything that I was alone, but close enough that I was safe. The tree gave shade, and the swing was there if I needed to do something other than sit in my sad thoughts.”
It’s silent for a while, just the animals off in the distance, and the occasional truck lumping down the road.
“It didn’t work,” he finally says, resting his head against the tree.
“What didn’t work?” I ask.
“I can’t leave the property. I’ve been trying all day.”
I’ll admit that makes me sad. I don’t like that he was trying to leave, but of course, it’s up to him what he does. I just wish he would have said something first. Maybe if he told us, we could have supported him. Helped him. Been there so he wouldn’t be stuck in his thoughts, the way he is now.
“I can’t even get to the property line before… you know.”
“I’m sorry, Rhett. I… don’t know why that is.”
How does this make any sort of sense?
Gus can shift as he pleases and come and go as he pleases.
Rhett can shift as he pleases but can’t control it off the property.
And Wade… Well, Wade doesn’t have any control over it.
What on earth did you do, Grannie?
“There has to be more to it,” I say.
Rhett huffs a humorless laugh. “Of course there is. Why would it be simple?”
I reach for Rhett’s hand, linking our fingers. He looks down at them, then at me.
“I don’t care how difficult it is, Rhett, I will help you. I will figure this out. I am responsible for this—”
“You’re not,” he says with a sigh. “You didn’t do this.”
“It doesn’t matter.” I shake my head. “Grannie did, and she isn’t here to handle it, so it falls on me. The same way all this mess fell on you.”
I let go of his hand and get up but offer him my hand again.
“You’ve been in the sun all day. Come in. Eat some dinner. Drink some water.”
He watches me before taking my hand and getting up. I don’t let go of it while we walk back to the house. Gus is sitting on the couch watching a movie. He waves at us, and I get out the leftovers and make up a plate for Rhett. He sits at the table to eat.
“Did Wade come in?” I ask Gus.
“He’s in the coop,” he says.
“Ba-cawk!” Rhett starts to cough, patting his chest.
“Are you okay?” I ask, getting to my feet.
He nods, reaching for his lemonade, and takes a few large gulps.
“I was swallowing,” he says, his voice raspy.
“Sorry!” Gus calls out.
