Bring Neil Home

I held Neil's hand, gently stroking the back of it.

"Neil, honestly, I'm very worried about leaving you alone here."

"Mr. Lucas Junior, are you worried about my eyes? It's okay, I usually just sit until I feel sleepy and then go to bed. I wake up and see things again."

"But your home isn't in a livable condition right now."

"I'll be more careful. I heard a noise in the kitchen just now, so I ran over and ended up falling."

"I can't let you take risks, and you can't guarantee those bad guys won't come back, can you?"

"I'll lock the door."

"But what if they decide to break it down?"

"They haven't tried... yet."

"They might next time, and that next time might be very soon."

"Will they... do you think?" He hesitated, seeming to think my points made sense.

"They might. Come back with me to my place. Stay there while I check things out and make sure it's safe here. Then I'll bring you back, okay?"

"Uh... okay."

"If you are worrying that I might do anything to you, I promise..."

"Mr. Lucas J