Then whispered, "Even when I'm sick?"
She nodded.
"Yes."
"Even when I'm mad?"
"Yes."
"Even when I cry?"
The mother leaned closer.
"Especially then."
The boy smiled faintly.
Then he asked something that made her laugh through tears.
"Even when I get bad grades?"
She laughed.
"Even then."
He grinned.
"What about if I break a window?"
She raised an eyebrow.
"We'll have a conversation about the window."
The boy laughed.
She smiled.
"But I'll still love you."
He looked relieved.
Then he reached toward her.
She embraced him gently.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then the boy whispered, "I thought you didn't come because I looked different."
The mother closed her eyes.
Her heart ached.
She held him a little closer.
"Sweetheart, you could look different every day for the rest of your life, and I'd still love you just as much."
He looked toward her.
"Really?"
She nodded.
"Really."
The child studied her face.
Then touched the small healing mark on his cheek.
"Will this ever go away?"
The mother took a breath.
"I don't know exactly how it will change as you heal."
He looked disappointed.
She continued.
"But we'll keep working with the people helping you recover."
The boy nodded.
Then he whispered, "I don't like it."
The mother placed one hand against his hair.
"That's okay."
He looked up.
"You don't?"
She shook her head.
"You don't have to like what happened."
The child was quiet.
Then he asked, "Do you still think it's your fault?"
The mother took a slow breath.
She remembered the hospital corridor.
The social worker.
The report.
And the old biker standing beside the window holding a scorched key.
She looked into her son's eyes.
"No."
The boy seemed surprised.
She continued.
"I wish I'd understood the warning sooner. I wish the fire had never happened. And I wish I hadn't stayed away from you afterward."
Her voice softened.
"But I know now that I didn't cause the fire."
The child considered.
Then whispered, "And I didn't either."
The mother smiled.
"That's right."
For several seconds, they looked at each other.
Then the boy leaned closer.
"I love you, Mommy."
Her eyes filled.
"I love you too."
She kissed his forehead.
Then turned toward the bedroom door.
"Goodnight, sweetheart."
The child smiled.
"Goodnight."