Chapter 21: Chapter 21: Wolf Protects his Mother

Carmella was washing the clothes in the washtub that she kept outside. She fantasized about the time when she could simply dump clothes into the washer. Why did she ever complain about that? Throw the clothes in, add some detergent, and press a button. Damn, how spoiled she had been back in those days.

At least the boiling water and hard work kept her warm. Laundry was an ordeal when it had been only her clothes, but now she had to clean up after the alien. His bandages had to be sanitized, and he had to be cleaned like a baby that pooped his diaper. Not that she blamed him for that. At least he was alive. For a few days she had doubts that he would make it. He burned up with fever, and his wounds became infected. She plied him with aspirin and kept the wounds disinfected.