I got the key from the same box in Gloria’s closet. She didn’t even change the hiding spot. I stuck the key in the basement-door lock. It opened. Chicken got up and his tail was wagging hard but I closed the door behind me so he wouldn’t sneak down. I went fast down the stairs and grabbed the string and yanked. Light burst on. The beans were in the box, and I picked up a can and held it in my hand. I could hear noises from behind Rowan’s door. My throat got tight. The can was cold. I squeezed it. I had to go back upstairs, but my feet went forward. My feet weren’t good listeners. They went closer to the door.

The fan was turned off, and I could hear him. He was scritching at something. I bet he had claws.

I tapped one finger on the door. That finger wasn’t a good listener neither.

“Turtle?”

I didn’t say nothing.

“Turtle? Is that you?”

Two loud thumps came on the door. My feet took some big steps back until I was far away.

“Let me out, Turtle.”

It felt like spikes went in my middle. I shouldn’t have come down. What if Gloria came home? What if she told a man and he came to take me? What if Rowan exploded out of that room and—and. But I couldn’t think of what he’d do.

“Let me out,” he cried.

But you’re a wolf.

“You can do this. Stick your neck out, Turtle.”

But you don’t sound like a wolf.

“Are you still there? Hello? Hello?”

I held my breath. I think I heard him crying. My arms and legs got spikes too. I dropped the can of beans and it rolled away.

“I’m your brother,” he said. Then he screamed out so sharp, “I am your brother!”

But Gloria says. Gloria says you’re a wolf.

—

When she got home, Gloria came in my room and put the spoon of green cough vitamins in my mouth. My middle was still shaking but she couldn’t see. She pulled up my sheet. She smoothed it down and kissed me on the forehead.

“Me and your dad had a wonderful meal tonight.”

“Was it good?”

“Yep. Real good. We had burgers and fries. Nothing fancy, but I’ve never asked for fancy.” She smoothed her finger over her mouth. There was still some peachy lipstick there.

“Oh,” I said.

“We talked, Bids. Really had a good talk. I could tell we connected. I helped him figure stuff out. Made him see what’s what.” She clapped her hands and laughed loud. “After all this time, he’s finally, finally seeing my side of things. It’s going to be okay.” She pinched my cheek. But not hard. “I wanted you to know. He’s coming back and we’re going to figure out everything.”