The Congregation by Desiree Bombenon

Author:Desiree Bombenon [Bombenon, Desirée]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: River Grove Books

CHAPTER 38

FRANCIS AMATO PUSHED THE SWING WHILE THE LITTLE DARK-HAIRED boy giggled. Francis laughed out loud, his face warmed by the sunshine of the August day. He was eight years old and off for the summer break. His little brother, only three, had a cast on his left arm, so Francis was careful not to push too high, even though he had put him in the swings for the little kids. The protective seat secured Anthony with a bar across the front, but not well enough that Francis felt he could push really high, since Anthony could only hold on with one hand.

His father would be home today from his business trip to New York. Francis couldn’t wait, because Dad always brought a treat for both of them, sometimes chocolates, sometimes a toy. He had to explain to Dad about Anthony’s arm. He knew his Dad wouldn’t believe his lies, but if he didn’t lie, then there would be more trouble.

Francis would play with Anthony for hours in the park. Sometimes he would forget the time and only when Anthony complained that his tummy was hungry would he realize they had played right through lunch. Today, however, Francis kept checking the Batman watch his father had given him for his birthday. He spoke to his dad before bed last night, and his dad explained that the plane landed at noon. This meant his dad would be home by 2:00 with the traffic. It was 1:30 now, so Francis had enough time to feed his brother and get cleaned up.

“We have to go now, Anthony.”

“N-o-o-o. I like to swing, Frankie.”

“I know, but Daddy will be home today. Don’tcha wanna see Daddy?”

Anthony’s brown eyes grew big and round, and he tried to clap his hands, but the cast made it difficult for him. His little face crinkled as he concentrated to make the clapping sound.

“Okay, let’s go then.” Francis gently lowered him down from the swing and took hold of his right hand.

When they got home, they opened the back door gently. Francis put his finger to his lips indicating they had to be very quiet. Anthony imitated him with his tiny finger pressing so hard his lips were turning white.

Francis peered around from the kitchen into the living room. Their mother was lying on the couch on her back with a wet facecloth on her forehead. She was having one of her headaches and they had to be careful not to disturb her sleep.

Holding hands and tiptoeing back to the kitchen, Francis pulled out the peanut butter and made Anthony’s favorite. The little boy’s eyes lit up as he saw what Francis was making, but Francis quickly put his finger back to his lips and his brother nodded slowly.

He poured a small glass of milk for Anthony and set the sandwich and milk on a paper towel in front of him. He cupped his hand over Anthony’s ear, “Try to eat quietly, okay?” Anthony nodded again. He was used to playing this game with Francis.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.