Chapter 22 : Breakpoint

Kenny's POV "—in the United States of America, an illness is taking hold here. We've got to act now before the fever grips us and swallows us whole—" "Hi." The room glowed brightly and I winced, putting a hand up to blot at the sun. The radio station switched to something less gloom and doom and more bubblegum pop. Goddess, what day was it? A little hand pressed to mine, giving me a high five. "After lunch can we go to the park? I want to play on the swings!" "What are you doing home, Little Bean?" Cal had his chin resting on his forearms, kneeling on my mattress. A collection of pennies outlined my body, almost like a chalk out. Cal placed another penny next to my nose, getting it close enough to leave me cross-eyed. Which, of course, made him laugh. I honked his nose, ignoring the ache in my bones. In my neck. "Why aren't you in school?" "Why aren't you?" He hopped up on the bed, careful not to mess with the pennies, and pressed his forehead against mine. "Joanne