Brent carefully carried me into his bedroom and down the stairs of his house, “Mom! We’ve got company,”

“Oh do you? Who is it?” Once Brent reached the bottom of the stairs he let me stand, keeping his one arm around my waist to help support me. A kindly plump woman came through a doorway, with wavy red hair, “Oh is that Jamie from next door? Oh dearie I haven’t seen you in years!” Brent’s mom rushed over and gave me a hug…only to stop and take in my full picture, “Oh dear Brent she looks like a sick lost puppy. What have you done to her?”

“Mom! She needs some food.” Brent gave her a slight gare…as if he was telling her to tone the niceness down a bit. I didn’t care though. I already loved his mother.

“I hope you aren’t one of those vegetarians. We’re having steak tonight dear.”

“That sounds great.” I finally managed to speak. I gave Brent a slight smile as he gave me a reassuring pat on the back, then leading me into his kitchen.