I want to see Momma’s smile. Desperation and fear squeeze my heart until it hurts.“Jack,” Momma says on a heavy breath. I can see it’s hard for her to breathe. Her one swollen eye opens a little. The other one is swollen shut. It looks like it hurts!I quickly rinse the cloth and try to wipe some of the blood dribbling from the corner of her mouth.Her head falls to the side and I can see a sliver of green peeking from her swollen eye.“I’m here, Momma.” My voice is thick with tears. I gently pat her hair, the same way she always pats mine when I’ve hurt myself. I wish I could hug her, but I’m scared I’ll hurt her.“Promise … me, Jack,” she whispers.“Anything, Momma,” I say quickly. I’ll do anything to see her smile. My momma has the prettiest smile. It always makes me feel safe.“Promise … you’ll … look after … David.” Her breaths wheeze in and out, making whistling sounds.“I promise, Momma.” Her mouth twitches as if she’s trying to smile so I quickly add, “I’ll look after David.”The words work and a smile pulls at her bloody mouth.
