Author: KM Brunner
Nora didn’t mean to yell. She knew better than to make noise in the city. First rule of running: keep quiet.
So her question, “Where were you?!”, desperate and sharp in the stillness of the Park Street station, startled both of them. Mac winced at its echo, echo.
Early on she assumed they’d stick together, but Mac’s recklessness and resignation must’ve burnt the conscience out of his head. He winced at her voice and turned away, like he couldn’t bear to answer her question.
Nora heard heavy footsteps on the station stairs and knew they were made by stiff leather boots. She should’ve been frightened but she mostly felt disgusted. She wouldn’t have sold him out, mother or not.
And she thought Mac knew better than to lick a boot, but he took after his father. Nora sighed at his back and watched his bony shoulders start to shake. The boots closed in, steps loud as hooves.