anything. I see the pleasure in his eves, the pride he
has, the pride of an artist who created something so
beautiful all the world would congratulate him." She paused and then looked at me angrily. "Why don't you stay sick a while longer? You
won't have to go to school and worry about tests and
homework. You'll continue to be waited on hand and
foot, just as you like it. Huh?"
I shook my head.
"I know what. I'll help you stay sick," she said. "Water," I pleaded in a whisper. I'm so thirsty.
Please get me some water."
Her eyes brightened.
"Water? You want a drink of water? That's
good. I'll get you a drink of water."
She rose and went into the bathroom. I waited
to hear the faucet running. Just the sound of water
would give me pleasure, I thought, but I didn't hear
that. Instead, I heard the toilet seat go up and then I
heard her dip a glass in it and return.
"Here you go," she said. "Just drink this." I
shook my head.
"Please," I muttered through my dried lips. It
was painful just to separate them.
"You said you were thirsty, didn't you?" she
nearly barked, her voice so gruff. "Drink some of this
water." She smiled, "Maybe it will keep you sick a
little longer," she said. "Drink it," she commanded. I shook my head and then she leaned over and
brought the glass to my mouth. I kept it closed as she
poured the toilet bowl water over it, letting it run
down the side of my chin and onto the bed and my
neck. She squeezed my jaw, my mouth opened a little
and some of the water got in. I coughed and spit. She