Pyrophobia

by Jack Lance

  ‘Your wish is my command.’

  ‘Don’t overdo it.’

  He walked back and took Robert from her. ‘So you want your bottle? Do you, little piggy?’

  The baby smiled.

  Grandfather Edward smiled with him.

  Some things in Jason’s life had turned out to be illusions. But sometimes illusions had to pass for the real thing. There was nothing else for it. After all, life went on.

  Maybe, some day, he would reunite with his real family. With Sam Chawkins and his other relatives.

  Maybe. Some day.

  When the time was right.

  In the meantime he had Kayla and Robert.

  And Mikey, the shadow that was always with him.

  This was his life, a full life, and it was enough.

  More than enough to make him happy.