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Show Fair Forever 171 for Amanda. She looked more tired than I'd ever seen, except for that last night she spent with Dad. Amanda's still in bed' I said softly. She nodded, then said,. 'She needs to rest.' Will she be okay?' I asked. Her hands are real bad.' Mom looked at her own hands and shook her head. I asked if Amanda would stay-at least until she healed. Mom said she didn't know. I asked if her mom might come. Mom waited to answer, measuring her response. She said, 'Amanda is an adult, Bradley-just barely. But she doesn 't need her mom's permission to be treated-or to make up her own mind.' 'But can she stay?' I asked. 'Can she stay here while she heals?' 'It's complicated," Mom answered after a pause. ''The girl has a lot of issues- big issues. I told her she was welcome to stay as long as she liked. . . but I don't know what she '11 decide. We have to allow her to make up her own mind.' I think Mom was trying to tell me to leave Amanda alone. 'What kind of issues?' I asked. Mom turned off the burner and removed the pan. 'Bradley, I'm sure she '11 tell you when the time is right, but it doesn't change what she has to do, what she needs to do. Not really. When she tells you, you '11 understand. For now, just know that she's being as brave as anyone I've ever known.' I didn't. eat any pancakes. |