17 Chapter 17

The back floodlight was on, so I had to wait, but I knew Dad would turn it off before he went to bed.

I usually listened to music while I did my homework or studied, so I put my MP3 player in its base and set the music to shuffle; if he passed by he would hear it and wouldn’t get suspicious.

I dumped my backpack out on the bed and began filling it with what I’d need, including the small pillow I’d had since forever. Dad had had it made for me from the blanket I’d been wrapped in when we came home from the hospital.

There was a tap on my door. I pushed everything onto the floor, shoved my books under the bed, and crossed to open the door.

“Yes, Dad?”

“I just wanted to say goodnight, son. I’m sorry this has been such a shock to you, but give it a few days. You’ll grow comfortable with the idea. I promise you.”

Never! I thought stubbornly. “Sure, Dad. Well, g’night.”