Day 20 / 15:07
Noah’s been forced into yet another corner at Greenhills. One where he has to do what he’s told, follow the rules so they’ll let him out and let him go home.
He and Maddie are perched on a bench, his mother off to the side, exclaiming at ‘all the freshness, Noah,’ and ‘Isn’t it so much cooler out here?’ and ‘Isn’t this lovely?’
But it’s not. It’s not cooler at all. The air is muggy, and it isn’t lovely, it’s awful.
His father’s standing with his back to them, looking like he’s going to bolt at any second, make his getaway as soon as he can. He shoots his sleeve back as if it’s the one action he’s been wanting to make all day. ‘It’s after three,’ he says, his voice false and cheery. ‘Time to be on our way and let this young fellow get on with his …’ He pauses. ‘His chores.’
Young fellow. He’s never called Noah that before.
‘Come along, Kate, come along, Maddie.’ His father can’t wait to get them out of there.
‘Goodbye, darling.’
‘Bye, Mom.’
‘Bye, Noe.’
‘Bye, Maddie.’
Maddie leans in and gives Noah a kiss, one that leaves him rubbing his cheek as they walk away.
This young fellow. Is that who you are now?