Page 95 of Luci’s Lullaby

We’ve eaten and are getting ready for bed. ~C

You’re going to bed without me?

You didn’t say to wait up. ~C

I hate they’re going to bed without me, but I like the thoughts of Charlee being in my bed waiting on me.

You don’t have to.

I will if you want. ~C

Now I feel bad.

It’s up to you.

Make my mind up. ~C

Go to bed, I won’t be in until after two.

Oh. ~C

Is that a problem?

No, I wasn’t thinking. ~C

It won’t be this late every night.

No worries, we’re fine. ~C

Shit. Think of something.

What was for dinner?

A well-warmed bottle of 2018 Soy milk formula. ~C

And lasagna. ~C

I hope Luci left me some.

She did, there’s plenty of milk. ~C

I’m thinking of having some. ~C

Glad you’re not driving.

Lol, me too. ~C

I gotta go.

c ya. ~C

Sure enough.

“You doin’ alright?” Aksel slides in beside me.

“I’m doing.” I force a smile.

He folds his hands on the table. “Anything I can do to help?”