His heart felt tight and crunched inside his chest. All of the hot fears and fiery memories that he had let fade over the last few years were only hidden, not forgotten. He looked up, confused and frightened, and let Aunt Queen soothe him with one of her warm, soft hugs until he was able to speak. “Mama’s comin’ here?” he asked quietly. “How come?” “Well, child, it’s like this.” Aunt Queen took a deep breath. “It’s time you knew the whole story. When I brought you home with me six years ago, after the fire, your mama was tried on child abandonment charges and was sent to jail.” “I knew where she was, Aunt Queen. I just didn’t like to think about it, so I let her fade away from me.” “I know, Gerald, and I was never sure if I was doing the right thing by keeping you away from her, but she asked me not to bring you there because she wanted you to grow up strong and secure, and she didn’t want you to see her in a place like that. I always sent her pictures of you, and she’s kept up with how well you’re doing in school and what a fine young man you’re growing up to be.”
