Chapter 42

I stay on top of her the whole night so he doesn't touch her. I think I'm dreaming when she moves under me and groans. Did I die, too? Am I in heaven? Does heaven look the same as the forever-est place but with my mom in it? Do promises still count in heaven?

"Mom," I whisper.

She groans. Then her eyes open. When she sees me, she bursts into tears. Do moms cry in heaven?

"Rosie." Her voice sounds like a frog's croak. Mummy arms wrap around my body. Now she feels warm, so warm. I put my face in her neck like I always do. She smells like flowers, and I don't ever want to let her go.

"Are we dead?" I whisper.

I feel her head shake. "No, sweetie. We're not dead."

"Can we leave now?"

His shadow blocks out all the light around us. Before she can answer, he reaches down and drags me away from her. "Neither of you are going anywhere."