Music in the Night (Logan 4)

cheek and ran to the front door. I didn't turn back to

wave. I went inside and up to my room before anyone could see my face. Then I went to the bathroom and threw cold water on my cheeks. "Laura? Is that you,

honey?" I heard Mommy call from my doorway. "Yes, Mommy."

"Everything all right?"

"Yes, Mommy. I just had to go to the

bathroom," I said. "I'm fine."

"Okay. Would you like some hot chocolate?" "No, Mommy. I ate and drank enough." "Oh. Is Mrs. Royce a good cook?"

I swallowed and closed my eyes. Robert had

told me she was a good cook.

"Yes, Mommy," I said. I felt like I had stuck

pins in my own throat. No one believed in me more

than Mommy and no one would refuse more to

believe I had lied or been deceitful.

"That's nice, dear. You can tell me all about it

tomorrow, if you want. Good night, Laura." "Good night, Mommy."

I heard her go to her room. Then I took a deep

breath and got ready for bed. I tossed and turned all

night, seeing myself in a rowboat that was being flung

from one wave to another, the sky black and full of

cold rain. Out of the storm clouds Daddy's face

appeared, raging. A long finger of accusation pointed

at me from the heavens.

"You have sinned," he bellowed. It was a chant

caught in the wind. "You have sinned."

I woke up in a cold sweat.

"I haven't sinned. I haven't. I love Robert and

he loves me. That's not a sin. That's--"

I pressed my hand to my mouth, embarrassed to

find myself talking aloud. Slowly, I lowered my head

to the pillow and stared into the darkness until my