All He Knew by Helen Frost

Author:Helen Frost
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

They didn’t bring an orange—Henry asks

if he can have some cake to take

back to his friends.

He only meant to ask for two pieces, one for Ted

and one for Billy—but Mama gives him

all the cake left on the plate.

THE HEAVY DOOR

Molly hates this part, when they have to say goodbye,

even this time, when the young attendant tries

to be so kind. They’re in the waiting room again,

and now it’s time to leave. Victor comes through

the heavy door, steps in front of Henry as a way

of getting his attention. He simply smiles

and motions to the door. Henry understands this time,

and follows. Molly tries to follow too—she wants

to see where Henry spends his days. She offers

to help Henry take the cake to his friends. I’ll only

stay a minute, she tells Victor. I can bring the plate

back out. Victor shakes his head.

I’m sorry. No. I’ll bring the plate to you.

Gently, he adds, I’m glad you came to visit Henry.

Molly looks at him. I’m Molly, she says. Thank you

for your kindness. We would come more often if we could,

but it’s hard to get time off and save up money

for the bus. Victor nods. I understand.

He opens the door, and Molly is almost knocked

backward by the smell. Henry says, Go back

home now, Molly, as the door shuts between them.

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