She held his hand over the flame she had done it for own good It made scream and him dizzy soothed with warm hugs He wondered if fire dancer still lived to tease dance fire-sword soldier would be cruel Or like mama hit hit Today was a day Inside grocery store were so many colors Gerald grinned liked pretend he driving big silver car The long black road disappeared imagined went secret hideout When they got home changed into fancy dress never seen anything lovely “Mama will right back.” started cry shadows getting scary very very quiet used cigarette lighter flicking little red handle there changing from orange green purple They fought monsters As mighty battle came climax thought kill me saw up here heard loud whoosh turned in terror room once dark now lit harsh flames watched fascination as soda bubbled fizzed burst sizzling explosion jumped behind couch usual hiding spot Coughing wheezing curled position Thumb mouth Crying softly about “You know you’re my best baby boy don’t you Gerald?" licked across windowsill Consuming boxes of cereal curtains macaroni So colors sounds lights how could see eyes closed Mama said wait I she’ll any minute