"Isabel, just leave him alone." Max held his sister back as they watched Michael leave the room. A moment later, they heard the door to the guest room close. 'He's just worried about tomorrow."
"I just hate it, he's been here a week and he spends most of his time in his room."
"It's what he's used to. Besides he did actually stick around for a whole hour this time. It's a new record for Michael." Max smiled at his sister. After a moment, she smiled back.
"I guess you're right."
"Where's Michael?" Diane entered from the kitchen with a large bowl of hot popcorn. "I thought we were all going to watch a movie."
"He said he changed his mind." Isabel nodded towards the stairs. "He said he would rather be alone."
---
Michael heard a knock on the door. He didn't respond. He was too nervous to sleep. After a moment the door opened.
"Michael, are you all right?" Diane Evans slipped into the dark room. Michael was laying on his stomach on the bed. He had pulled his shoes off, but was still dressed. His head was turned away from the door, eyes closed.
Diane closed the door and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Michael." He didn't speak or open his eyes. "I know you're not asleep." Still no response.
Diane sat silently. Then without speaking she reached up and placed her hand on Michael's back. For a moment, he tensed. She began to lightly rub his back. The movement was soothing and Michael relaxed.
"I used to do this with Max when he was little. When he would cry because he didn't want to be here. To help him fall asleep."
Diane continued to rub his back. After a little while, she stopped, realizing that Michael really was asleep. She brushed a strand of hair out of his face. Standing, she picked up the blanket from the end of the bed and laid it over the sleeping boy.
Diane turned in the doorway. She looked down at the boy, sleeping peacefully on the bed.
"Sweet dreams, Michael." She whispered and closed the door softly behind her.
