Sally, Mara and Cora’s older sister, handed down another vegetable plant so I could plant it in the small garden we were creating inside the house. “These will grow perfectly with the streams of light shining through the holes in the roof.”
I smiled up at her. When she suggested the indoor garden, it made us all really happy that someone could find anything good about our living situation.
Sophie planted carrots across the room. “It’s brilliant Sally. No one will be able to steal them this way. And thank you for the seeds too.”
She looked over at the kids cleaning the chipping wooden table so they could eat the burgers and apples Sally had brought for them. “It’s only been a week since we’ve known you guys and I think they’ve already gained a few pounds.”
Mara knocked at the door and walked inside, not bothering to wait for permission. She knows she’s always welcome. She had learned the path to my place quickly. I was glad that she couldn't see what she was visiting, but with her personality I don’t think she’d mind the coal marked walls and moth eaten furniture.
She handed a basket of food off to the kids. She always brought food. I tried to tell her she didn’t need to, but she insisted that their restaurant was doing well enough, even with the decline of the city, that they could spare at least this much for her savior.
Carl walked in and saw what seemed like a feast to us being prepared. I could see he was beginning to feel guilty as he swallowed the lump in his throat before saying hello.
I pulled his arm and dragged him out the door with me. “We’ll be right back guys,” I holler to the house.
As soon as we were far enough away, I whispered to him, “I want to tell her. I can’t take this anymore.”
Carl growled low for a moment and clenched his fists at his side, then in a flash had me pinned against the brick wall beside us. I’d never seen such a crazy look in his eyes. “Don’t you dare muddle this up for us with a bleeding heart, you twit! I’ve eaten every day this week. Those kids in there….I haven’t had to worry if they would make it another day.”
He softened a little and pushed away, shaking his head. “This lie. It isn’t hurting anyone but you.” He turned to walk back to the house. “Don’t let them die to ease your own conscience.”
I didn’t tell her. How could I without being a monster? Mara and I spent every day together for months. I had taken to walking her to the library and reading books to her. I grew infinitely more glad that she couldn’t see me, as I had gained a lot of weight since we’d met.
I also noticed she began dressing more like a girl as the weather turned warm. She looked the most beautiful in the red dress that Cora got for her. Although, I really think she got it more for me.
Mara couldn’t see my face light up as she walked down the stairs from her bedroom, but her sisters could.
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