Fallout (Crank 3)

But there weren’t enough

of them to make the job

important and in that

way, make me matter.

IN THE BOLD LIGHT

Of morning I wonder if I count

for anything at all. Christmas.

It’s early here, but Texas time

is two hours later. I find my cell,

buried in the oversize bag

holding my clothes. Later I’ll call

Bryce to wish him a merry Christmas

and maybe share some special

news. But he’s probably sleeping.

Instead I call a familiar San Antonio

number. No answer. Worry punches

at my gut. But then I remember.

Aunt Cora doesn’t live there

anymore. Grandfather? Probably

with her in Austin. I have to

scratch deep in my brain to

find the right combination

to make the phone ring there.

Liam answers, too cheerful.

Well, hello there, world traveler.

Merry Christmas to you.

Nevada is hardly the world.

But I don’t say so. “Can I

speak to Aunt Cora, please?”

Liam puts down the phone