It had once been part of a stuffed bear.
Michael’s bear had been inside the car during his crash. Emergency workers cut through it while freeing him. Rook had kept a piece ever since.
He placed the cloth beside Rosie’s paw.
“She’ll like her,” he said.
Eli nodded and returned to the story.
Before we left, Whitaker handed Rook a visitor form. Lucy’s parents had given the hospital broad permission for approved volunteers, but minors could not remain without adult supervision. The neighbor who drove Eli was becoming ill and could no longer manage daily trips.
Without another adult, Eli’s visits would end.
Rook signed his name.
So did I.
That night, the Iron Lanterns gathered inside our clubhouse, an old brick feed store beside Route 104. The air smelled of motor oil, leather, road coffee, and the chili Mason “Grizzly” Hale had forgotten on the stove.
