Chapter 27: 'Will you stop pouting? --- It's fucking... '

ROSE

It was then I felt the slight tremble of chill in Rum’s body.

I knew what it was… I was trembling the same way as I followed my homeroom teacher to the headmaster’s office for the first time; I was caught in possession of a cigarette stick and a lighter, both of which I was muling for one of my bullies back in high school.

Rum was right. A hug was all we needed to get through this. And I would gladly let him have it now.

Without thinking, I rubbed his back in the same comforting way as dad did when I was frightened by a ferocious dog that tried to take my snack.

“You did well, Rum,” I whispered and felt his arms tighten some more around me, nearly flattening my lungs.

******

“Yes, Rum had a migraine attack. So he rushed out to get some fresh air. We’ll be heading back in—.”

I looked up and Rum was holding up five fingers.

So I said, “In five. Yes, Peggy. I’ll tell him. Yes, he looks much better now. Alright, see you in a bit.”

I ended the call and turned to the su