Jinx began corralling the kids by the door, but Knox wiggled loose and came over to my bed, looking like the day had finally caught up with him. His big blue eyes swam in tears. “Ox, I’m real sorry.” His eyes skittered to my rotten leg as his lips puckered. Fat tears plopped down his dirty cheeks, making me realize the unkempt state he and the others were in and also making me feel even more like a failure.

I swallowed down the guilt and pain as best as I could and reached over to comb my fingers through his knotted hair. The brown tresses were sticky from the combination of sweat, dirt, and whatever candy he’d enjoyed while watching TV. I needed the little guy closer and Vance seemed to sense this as he lifted Knox over the bed rail and tucked him against my left side, bringing me and my brother eye to eye.

“I know you are, buddy. We just need to be more careful where we play from now on, okay?”

Knox nodded his head, still looking sick with worry. I pulled him close and placed a kiss on top of his head, taking a deep inhale to capture the sugary-sweet scent and earthiness of boy mingling together.

Someone moved close to the bed, sniffling. I glanced over my shoulder and found an older version of Knox.

“It’s my fault. I was supposed to be watching the twins . . .” Raleigh’s voice broke and tears streaked his weary face.

I took his hand in mine. “Then it’s my fault too, because I’m the one who promised Mama I’d take care of all y’all.” As soon as I said it, my guilt and shame at failing her bit harder than that snake. We were all spiraling, barely surviving. I eyed the others behind Raleigh. They looked ready to break too. “Will y’all forgive me?”

Foxy cleared her throat, sending my eyes her way. Of course she was starting to fidget and it made me want to scream for her to just leave but I needed her too much at the moment. And boy, did I hate admitting that even to myself.

“Foxy, there’s money in the car’s glove box. Peg has the keys. Will you and Jinx take the kids to Duffy Dogs for burgers and fries and then let them spend the night with y’all?” I turned to drop another kiss on top of Knox’s head, not wanting to meet anyone’s eyes while lying. “Pa’s got a virus. Best to stay away from the house.”

Jinx spoke up. “Sounds like a plan. I just got a VCR, so we can stop by the video store and rent a few movies.” He waved for the crowd to head out.

“Can we get Raiders of the Lost Ark?” Peg asked as they shuffled toward the door.

“If it’s there,” Jinx answered.