My Son’s Warning at the Airport Changed Everything

the ceiling until my eyes ached.

Every time I closed them, I saw the fire.

I saw the key turning in the lock.

And I saw Quasi’s text, bright and casual, as if he hadn’t just tried to erase us.

Around dawn, Kenzo stirred. “Mama,” he whispered, confused, blinking in the dim light. “Where are we?”

I kissed his forehead. “Somewhere safe,” I whispered back.continue reading …