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Show Fair Forever 84 When she returned, I asked if she 'd seen the Great Turtle. She shook her head and answered, 7 think he's waiting in the channel.' 'You should go, then,' I said again. 7 can teach you to row.' But Mom came to the porch, ordering me to take a rest. By the time we made it up the stairs, I was wheezing like an old man. I hoped Amanda didn't hear. Mom stroked my forehead and suggested I move downstairs to her room. I tried to suck in a lungful of air, wanting to prove I was okay. But my chest fluttered like gauze on a mask. I told her I didn't want to move. I said I'd miss the catwalk too much. She brought me some water and opened,the catwalk door. The room filled with spring. Somewhere in the distance a boat trolled by. . ; 'It's a beautiful day!' Mom said, happily. She was happy most days with Amanda around. ; . , A good day for rowing?' I asked. 'Perfect,' she answered. She was looking toward the water. She chuckled. 'Is Amanda trying to row again?'I asked. ,. Mom laughed out loud. 'She isn 't making much progress. She looks like she's* being attacked by two, long poles.' , . I laughed at the thought. Mom turned to leave, but I stopped her and asked, 'Can Amanda stay past the. weekend? She has a break from work' . ' •; - - Mom thought hard on my question. I stayed still and waited. Finally, Mom said it would depend on her mother. . 'What if her mother didn't care?'.! asked. , , , 7,. - , |