It was silent at first in our car as I drove myself and Liam home. I broke the ice though, “I can’t believe you went and told everyone what we talked about yesterday…and even using it to your advantage. Honey, that’s not right at all.”

“I’m sorry Mommy….but you should’ve seen my friends’ faces when I told them. Adalee was almost in tears…”

“Adalee? Who’s that? And tell me about your friends.”

“Adalee is who Meanie Girl was. Turns out she wasn’t mean at all, she just likes my hair a lot. And my friends that I made are…” And Liam was off again, talking about sweet nothing. He manages to bring me away from the deathly truth…no pun intended…of how he could soon die. Soon as in any day.

“Mommy what’s wrong?” As I zoned I didn’t realize I began crying, “Oh nothing honey.”

“You sure? Are you mad at me?”

“Never. I’m proud you learned a lesson today.”

“Oh…okay…but as I was saying…”

And then Liam took me away again.

He accomplishes that feat when Joel isn’t around.