The Child

2

I sit up out of bed. I look over at Ace who was asleep besides me. I carefully lift his arm off of my waist and slip out of bed.

I walk out to my bedroom door and open it, slipping out.

I walk down the hall and knock on Cain's door.

It takes a while, but he finally responds.

"Come in."

I smile as I open the door, peaking my head in. I see him in his blanket tent, his nose in a book with a flashlight in hand.

"Hey kiddo."I say, stepping inside.

"Hi mommy."he says as I sit down next to him.

"What are you reading?"I ask.

He lifts the book and shows me the cover.

"Ah, insects, interesting."I say.

"This one is called a rhinoceros beetle. See the horn on it's head?"He says, making me chuckle as he points to it on the page.

"Shouldn't you be getting ready for bed now?"I ask.

"Awe, mom."he says.

"Don't you use those little eyes on me."I say, pointing at him.

He pouts and then closes his book.

"Atta boy. There we go, how are we gonna get up for school tomorrow if you're all sleepy from filling up your brain all night?"I chuckle as he gets up and waddles over to his bed.

"You're entirely correct mother."he says.

"Mother is always correct."I say, walking over and pulling his covers back for him.

He jumps into bed and I tuck him in, tickling his ribs and making him giggle.

"Alright, have you said your prayers?"I ask.

"I don't like saying my prayers mommy."he responds.

"Why's that baby?"I ask, rubbing his hairline.

"They make me feel wrong when I say them."he says quietly.

"Oh. Well, religion isn't something I'm going to force on you Cain. You have every right to not say them anymore."I say.

"No, not about that mommy. I don't know how to explain it."he says.

"It's okay, it's okay. We can talk about it with Uncle Ace tomorrow after school."I say.

This makes him smile and nod. I kiss his forehead and stand up.

"I love you mommy."Cain says.

"I love you too Cain, goodnight."I say, stepping out of the room and closing the door behind me.

I smile as I walk back towards my bedroom. Suddenly I feel a chill down my spine and I instantly stop, letting out a gasp.

My lips begin to quiver as I slowly turn my head.

Just then, Axe bumps into me and I shriek.

"Holy shit!"Ace says, holding up his boxed apple juice and uncrustable in defense.

My hand comes to my heart as I lean down, trying to catch my breath.

"You scared the shit out of me."I groan.

"Sorry, got snacky."he says.

"You're drinking my son's apple juice."I say.

"Yes, I am."he says before walking back towards my room.