Dora was so interesting to her son, he didn't notice how upset Aunt Betty was becoming. His mother did, but just kept talking anyway. Betty interrupted them and reminded Dora that she needed to leave today. She had plans to meet with a specialist to measure her for a string bikini. Bob almost lost his lunch with the idea of her in one of those. He had to go inside to be away temporarily, get her heavy box, and bring it out. She would be leaving and that gave him a hopeful feeling all of a sudden.

Dora moved the RV closer and unlocked the side door. Betty wanted to appear to Dora to be a good mother, so she bent down and hugged Tommy tightly. ‘I want you to help your Uncle with the baby and be a good boy. I will miss you darling.’ Tommy felt stiff and knew it was not real, but he was smart and knew what not to say to his Aunt Betty. He just held his breath. She wore a strong perfume and it made him dizzy when she was this close. Bob was staring at Dora, thinking how good she looked in her uniform.

Betty begins to fill hungry. When was the last time she ate? Her life is a blur of feedings and diapers, Bob and Tommy's messes. She could not believe her husband when he told her sister they would keep Tommy as long as she needed. She almost turned to scream at him but knew her sister had never seen that before. 

                                            Chapter 49      Page 228    Turn the Page