From a Distant Star Read Online Free PDF

you. I wish I didn’t, but that’s the truth of the matter. My son is dying and there you are trying to take over, as if his father and I aren’t capable oftaking care of him. And you always seem to be in the way. Every time I turn around, there you are.”
    I took in a sharp breath. If this was an apology, it was the worst one ever. “I know it’s difficult for you,” I said.
    “For such a small person, it’s amazing how you’re always in the way,” she said, as if I didn’t catch it the first time around.
    “I just want to be near Lucas. I didn’t know I was bothering you.”
    She locked eyes with me. “You think I’m this horrible person, but I’m not. I’m a mother. Any mother would feel this way. Someday you’ll understand.”
    “Maybe so,” I said, not wanting to argue. She wasn’t even trying to understand my point of view. I stood with the back of my legs against the bed, one hand resting in the spot where Mack had been. “I didn’t know I was getting in the way. I promise I’ll try not to.” Standing over Mrs. Walker, me fully dressed while she wore a flimsy nightgown and fabric slippers, her hair mussed, face swollen and red, I felt a slight advantage. She’d spoken in anger, but I knew her pride would keep her from taking back what she’d said. I’d have to take the lead. If I offered a compromise, I had a feeling she’d be more willing to let me stay. I said, “I’ll go now and sleep on the couch, and in the morning I’ll go home to shower and change clothes. When I come back, I promise not to sit in the recliner. I understand your point. That should be for family. From now on, I’ll stay out of the way, and I won’t say a word unless you want me to.”
    Our eyes met, and I held still, watching as she considered. “No,” she said after what seemed like a long silence. “I’m not negotiating with you, Emma.” She still had the tissue crumpled up in her hand. Only a few minutes ago, I’d hugged her and felt like I’d broken through her defenses, but now the tone of her voice told me otherwise. “I stand by my original decision. Go in the living room and get some sleep. I’ll wake you up in the morning so youcan go home. When you want to visit, you will need to call first. We’ll let you know if it’s convenient. And if you’re not here when . . .” Her voice trailed off for a second and then she pulled herself together. “If you’re not here when Lucas passes, you’ll be one of the first to be called.”
    “But . . .”
    “You’re not family, Emma, and I won’t pretend you are. Now go into the living room and lay on the couch. I don’t want to tell you again.”
    Her voice rose with each sentence, until the last one was nearly a shout. It was enough to hold anyone’s attention, but I barely heard it because I felt something brush against my hand, the one that rested on the bed behind me. I turned to look and saw that Lucas’s fingers were touching my wrist. His eyes were wide open, darting from side to side like he couldn’t control them, and his head twitched slightly, like someone reacting to an ice cream headache.
    “Did you hear me, Emma?”
    “I heard you,” I said, not turning back to her. “But it’s Lucas.” My voice cracked with happiness. “He’s awake.”

CHAPTER FIVE
    Mrs. Walker got up out of the chair and pushed me aside. “Lucas? Honey, it’s Mom.” She stroked his head and he glanced all around the room like he wasn’t sure where to look. I thought he caught my eye for a split second, and I grinned, suddenly giddy with joy. Mrs. Walker turned toward me, breaking the mood. “Emma,” she said. “Make yourself useful. Turn on the light. And go get him some water and a straw.”
    I flipped on the dining room chandelier over Lucas’s bed. The sudden brightness caused him to blink, so I lowered the light using the dimmer switch. Mrs. Walker made cooing sounds like he was an infant, and adjusted his bedding, tucking the blankets