“ I lead Paco through the house. We pass Shelley in the family room looking at some magazine. Shelley, this is Paco. He's Alex's friend. Paco, this is my sister, Shelley.At the mention of Alex's name, S… Simone Elkeles
“ I'll never let it happen. I'll do everything in my power to keep my sister at home.I don't want to have a civilized discussion. My parents want to send my sister to a facility behind my back and my he… Simone Elkeles
“ Where's Shelley? I ask, scanning the room.Playing checkers, as usual, Georgia says, pointing to the corner. Shelley isn't facing me, but I recognize the back of her head and her wheelchair.She's squea… Simone Elkeles
“ How's that sister of yours? I ask, changing the subject.She's waiting to beat you again at checkers.Is that right? Well, tell her I was goin easy on her. I was tryin' to impress you.By losing?I shrug.… Simone Elkeles
“ Shelley, you think she'll take me back? Alex asks her, his hair dangerously close to her fingers. She doesn't pull his hair . . . just pats his head gently. I feel the tears running down my cheeks at… Simone Elkeles
“ You have games on there? he asks.Yeah, I answer for her. She's become a checkers fanatic. Shelley, show him how it works.While Shelley slowly taps the screen with her knuckles, Alex watches, seemingly… Simone Elkeles
“ Shelley, I say. You should've let him win. You know, to be polite. Shelley's response is a shake of her head. Applesauce drips on her chin. That's the way it's going to be, huh? I say, hoping the scen… Simone Elkeles
“ Hey, Shell-bell," I say, leaning over her and wiping her face with a napkin. "It's the first day of school. Wish me luck."Shelley holds jerky arms out and gives me a lopsided smile. I love that smile.… Simone Elkeles
