The door was locked.
"Mom? Lucy?"
"Just a minute, Mister Perris," he heard Lucy say.
Jonah stepped back from the door and stood waiting.
"I have to go to school," he said. He heard the handle turn and raised his head as Lucy slipped out the door. She moved fast for such a big woman. He caught a glimpse of something red on the bed, on those white sheets. Then Lucy had the door closed and stood in front of him. "What's wrong?" he said.
"Nothing."
"What's wrong with my mom?"
"Nothing's wrong, Mister Perris. You go to school. You mother can't say goodbye to you this morning. Go to school," Lucy said "Your mother will see you this evening."
"Mom," he said. Nothing.
"You go to school," Lucy said. There was desperation in her voice.
"Mom." He tried to push Lucy aside, but she stood in his way like a big boulder and he couldn't move her. She held the door handle in her grip like she was glued to it.
"Mister Perris, please!"
Jonah stopped struggling with her and stepped back.
"Go to school," she said.
Jonah walked down the hall. He looked back twice. Lucy went back in the door.
He heard it lock behind her.