The Lightkeepers

18

One reached out and cupped my face, their hand much gentler than I imagined it would be.

I snapped my eyes shut, exhaling through my mouth. Their odor. I can ’ t begin to forget that

horrible rottenness. My breath stopped. I tried to imagine something else, anything else to combat

the awfulness I found myself in.

I opened my eyes when their thumb trailed over my cheek. My mother ’ s face lingered over

mine. Her lips were drawn in a tight line. Light streamed through the uncovered window, spilling

onto her hair.

“ It ’ s just a nightmare. C ’ mon, let ’ s get you some fresh air. ” She helped me into a sitting

position and guided me to my feet.

I held her hand limply, my free hand flying to my left temple. There was a throbbing

pressure there that shot straight through to the back of my head and around my forehead. My

stomach clenched and gnawed at my insides. My face must ’ ve been that of death and for once I

found myself appreciative of the fact that we didn ’ t have a mirror. Mom led me across the landing,

her arm around my waist, supporting my weight. My limbs must have been replaced by lead.

We moved sluggishly. When we reached the stairs, I found that I could n’ t lift my leg high

enough, and as though that was too much exertion for my anchored body, I collapsed. She

attempted to catch me, but I had already braced myself on the stairs in front of me. My arms shook

under my own weight. I stayed hunched over for a moment before I straightened. My body creaked

as I sagged against her legs, allowing them to keep me upright. Henry came bounding down the

stairs and scooped me up, bringing me back to my window. I couldn ’ t remember falling asleep,

but I could recall each minute detail of my nightmare.

“ Get some water, ” our mother whispered to Henry.

She felt my forehead, her own fingertips cool and soft. Henry left to fetch some water. I

sat with my head against the stone wall, my body slumped, and clung to the firm wall. A bottle

was held out to me, but I only glanced at it.

“ Should I get Dad? ” Henry asked, standing awkwardly on the first step before my landing.

“ Don ’ t bother your father. He ’ s on nights. ” She paused, redirecting her attention to me.

She kneeled beside me and persuaded me to take a sip or two. “ Can you get something light to

eat? Like granola or something? ”

Henry nodded and disappeared again.