Muggy August air slipped into the bedroom from the window. Sam rolled over in bed and rested his forehead against his wife’s. He and Antigone were arguing—in whispers—so the boy down the hall wouldn’t hear. She was intent upon enrolling Ryder in Mercy High School. Sam was determined to keep their irritating houseguest from flipping their family sideways. “He should be living with his own family and going to his own school,” Sam said. “He ran away from them.” “That should be a clue right there. What’s he running from? For all we know, he could be wanted for murder somewhere. After four months, we still don’t know anything about him. Every time I ask him a question he accuses me of being a mechanic for the Gestapo.” “He’s here. With us. Part of our family now.” “He’s nothing like us. He’s more man than child. He’s been places and seen things we can’t imagine.” Antigone shook her head. “He’s working hard with the deer, and he’s started helping William in the café.
