““Humphrey’s mouth opened and shut a couple of times on things he wanted to say, wanted to ask, and then he said, “Why? Why did you lie about it, Mom?” Shelly flapped a hand at him. “Because, because.” Because she wanted him to believe that he could do it. Wanted him to think that if his dad could do it, so could he. That he didn’t always have to be looking on, another loser at the feast. Because she didn’t think he could do it, not without help. And lies were all she had to offer.””
