#Chapter 411 – The Writer

Ella “Nah,” I say, leaning in to stroke a hand over Benny’s hair, “I can’t shift right now now. I have to go and help some other kids.” Still suspicious, the boy takes his hand from mine and crosses his arms over his chest. “Tell me your name. When my mom comes back, I’ll ask her to look you up on the internet. Then we’ll know whether or not you’re a wolf.” Laughing, I tell him my name, and then I look around the tent. “Where is your mom, anyway?” I ask. “I’d like to meet her.” The little boy is quiet for a moment and then he shrugs. “She’ll be back any minute.” “Oh,” I say, and then I feel my heart ache a little bit inside of me, though I do my very best to keep my voice cheerful. “Did she just step away? When’s the last time you saw her?” “Coupla days,” Benny murmurs, looking down at his blankets for a second. I glance up at Isabel, who has come close and was listening. She grimaces and then nods, confirming my suspicions. This little boy hasn’t seen his mother for a long