style="font-size:15px;"> Dean has fed the chickens, stacked firewood, and polished off three toaster waffles smothered in maple syrup by the time Mom’s soft footfalls sound on the stairs. I always feel good seeing her dressed and downstairs, even if it’s only for doctor appointments.
“Well, who do we have here?” she asks, all friendly, lifting that numb face of hers and speaking so slowly it almost sounds slurred.
“Dean,” I say. “An escaped convict from a nearby prison.” I pause for effect. “Kidding. Friend from school.”
“Hello, Dean. Did you stay here overnight?”
My attempt at humour has floated right over her, as usual. And she doesn’t even seem worried I might have asked someone to stay overnight without her permission. That’s way different than the way she was before Dad’s disappearance triggered her depression.
He hangs his head slightly. “Yes, in the barn.” He doesn’t sound apologetic at all — more sly, like he’s testing her reaction.
“What?” I say. “So that’s what scared the hens. You cost us two eggs. That’s fifty-eight cents.”
He seems to be studying my mother more than paying attention to me.
“You two thought it would be more fun sleeping in the barn than inside?” Mom asks.
“He —” I start. I can’t believe she’s so out of it that she thinks I slept in the barn last night.
“Yeah, love sleeping in barn lofts,” Dean says.
“Your parents gave you permission to stay over on a school night?” She reaches for a mug and the jar of instant coffee.
He hesitates, then says, “Never had a dad. Mom died last year. Just have a sister.”
“Oh.” She looks at him with a sympathy that causes him to furrow his eyebrows.
Interesting. I never knew that about Dean, and don’t recall anyone in the climbing club mentioning it to me. But I totally understand why he’d hide that information at school.
Mom pours freshly boiled water into her cup and stirs, so slowly that I want to jump up and do it for her.
“You driving us to school?” Dean asks.
“Not me,” she replies. “My brother is driving me to the doctor’s. But he’ll drop you two at school on the way.”
“How come you don’t drive?” he asks her.
I kick his leg under the table, but he ignores me.
“Our car is broken down, and I don’t go anywhere often enough for it to be worth fixing,” she says.
It’s true.
As she heads down the hall to find her purse, he leans over the last piece of waffle on his fork. “How come she’s going to the doctor? Is she sick?”
“How about you shut up and stop asking questions?” I say it nicely.
“Okay, if you answer that one.”
“She’s — sad.”
He nods, like he has already figured it out. “Very sad. Better than mad.”
I stare at him. What a strange kid.
• • •
When Uncle Ted pulls up, I introduce Dean and motion him into the back seat beside me. My uncle steadies my mom’s arm as she seats herself up front.
The car has barely made it down the driveway when Dean leans toward me and whispers, “Ask her now.”
“Huh?”
“Ask her now.”
“Ask her what?”
“You know. Permission for the canyoneering trip with my sister.” It’s barely a whisper.
I grind my teeth. Did his sister put him up to this? Is that why he appeared out of nowhere this morning? I stew for a few minutes, then think, whatever. Mom’s going to refuse no matter when or where I ask her. I feel selfish even trying.
“Mom?”
“Yes, honey.” She breaks off from chatting with Uncle Ted about the weather.
“You know school’s out this Friday, right? For the summer. And Uncle Ted doesn’t need me to start at the shop for a week.”
“Yes, dear, Elspeth reminded me.”
“Well, I’ve been invited to go on a hike Sunday. With” — I have to say it — “that group that does canyoneering trips.” I don’t name the company that competed with my dad when he was running trips from his shop.
“Yeah, my sister’s the guide,” Dean gushes. “She says she’ll take him into the Upper Canyon for free.”
What’s in it for you? I wonder, studying his eager expression.
“Ah, you’re Brigit’s brother.” Uncle Ted turns to Mom. “Brigit’s the new guide over there. I was chatting with Alex Carney, the boss. He says she’s good. A reliable type, very experienced, and qualified. Even if she is only nineteen. He has known her for years, since before she moved here recently. How about I spend a day with you, Mary, so Tristan can go?”
Uncle Ted’s on my side? Maybe he did hear me when I said I missed climbing club. But I shouldn’t have asked, and I shouldn’t take off for no reason and tie my uncle up for a whole day.
“Uncle Ted, it’s fine —”
“Tristan, I’m so glad you asked,” Mom says, though her voice comes out as weak and shaky as a stutter. “Elspeth has been going on about how I need to let you get outside more, about how you’d probably love to go canyoneering. I’m sure Ted and I can manage for a day. If you … if you promise you’ll be careful and stay safe.”
I can hardly breathe, I’m so stunned. And can only imagine how hard it was for her to say that. So what if it’s Elspeth’s influence and all to do with her crazy idea? Though, I’m sure she hasn’t mentioned her plan to Mom. Still, my mom’s actually letting me go? Into the canyon? Not the part of the canyon that took Dad, of course, just the easy part, but, hey, she’s giving me a break! Maybe just this once would be okay, if Uncle Ted —
“I agree, Tristan,” Uncle Ted says. “If you’ve been invited and there’s no cost, go for it. I’m sure you must miss your canyoneering. You were getting so good.”
“Your father said you are going to be one of the best.” My mother sniffs and lifts her handkerchief to her face.
“Thanks, Mom,” I say, squeezing her shoulder.
“Told you,” Dean hisses beside me.
“Are you going?” I ask him.
“Maybe,
