In My Desperate Time

After picking up the child, I go back home with Frances.

By the time we get home, it's almost ten.

Old Mr. Louis is usually asleep at this time.

So I don't expect to see him still awake and chat with Hilda on the sofa when I arrive at the door.

Thinking of my promise to old Mr. Louis, I stand at the door and don't know if I should go in or not.

Old Mr. Louis doesn't see me. But hearing the sound, he certainly knows that we are back.

He sits up straight and says in a deep voice, "You have to do what you promised me. I'm still here, so you should know what to do."

Of course, these words are for me.

I have nothing to retort, and I don't intend to.

"Grandpa." Frances' face darkened. He wants to say something, but I stop him.

I hand Earl in my arms to Frances and whisper to him, "Go in. I'll be there soon. I'm good."

and stands still at the

my face hurt. Earl is still so young. How can he endure such

a low voice, "Go in with Earl. I

swaying trees, then looks at Earl in

by Old Mr. Louis, he

You should go

know what I

finishes speaking, he goes upstairs. Old Mr. Louis is still sitting there, chatting

already midnight. After

you to sleep," Hilda looks at me and says to Old

looks at me, her eyes are filled with

obvious that she wants me

shakes his head and says, "I'm

chat. I can't stand the cold wind anymore but

stiffer and

Louis finally stands up

he speaks, he slowly goes back to

my life. I