Chapter 1
"... sadly car accident victim Rajel Aya Wu Christopher has passed away October 18th 2009 from awful injuries..."
Russell walked into the kitchen and saw the picture of his mother on the TV. They were talking about her again. When were they going to stop?
"... Christopher's eight year old son, Russell Robert Christopher, survived with a broken arm and is now in the custody of..."
Carl shut the TV off once he noticed Russell standing in the doorway.
Russell had on his backpack as he walked into the kitchen, took a muffin and walked over to the door.
"Where do you think you're going?" Carl asked.
"School. It's Monday." Russell answered. There was no expression on his face or even in his voice. Russell hadn't been himself since what happened. He never cried at the funeral yesterday. All he said was; 'Thank you Mama.'
"I don't think you should go to school. I could hear you tossing and turning all night long.
"I'll be okay Mr. Fredricksen. I missed a lot last week."
Carl sighed. "Alright. Straight home after alright?"
"Straight home after."
"Do you want me to bring you..."
"I'll take the bus. It's here."
Carl watched Russell climb onto the bus and watched until it disappeared. He had so much to do now that he was a parent. A new phone number for the school office, telling the bus to come to a new spot, buying things for the house. So many things.
He felt that Russell shouldn't go to school when this awful event just occurred.
He hoped Russell would make it through the day.
Russell didn't want Carl to worry about him. He was showing Carl that he could be strong. Carl was sad enough already and it would just worsen it id he stayed home and sobbed.
The bus stopped and Emily got on.
Her smile faded at seeing Russell.
"Hi Russell."
"Hello."
Emily sat in the seat next to Russell. She didn't know what to say. Russell knew she was looking at his arm in the sling.
"I'm okay. She died Friday. Mr. Fredricksen is my adopted father. The funeral was yesterday."
That's all they spoke.
Let the week go fast, Russell thought in his mind as he fought back the tears.