Capítulo 33: Chapter 33

“I’ll just have a cup of coffee, thanks,” he said, crossing to the counter and taking a cup from the overhead cupboard.

“Now, Ernest,” his mother said, turning from the stove and looking at him with a mock stern expression. She shook a spatula in his direction. “You know you need a better breakfast than that if you’re going to be alert for work.”

Ernie, despite his frazzled emotional state, had to smile. His coming out to her had changed things. The confrontation over breakfast was more jovial and much less strained than it usually was. It had often ended in an all-out argument with Ernie storming out of the house.

“Okay, Mom. I’ll have some orange juice, too.”

“I could make you some eggs and sausage?” she asked, turning back to the stove.

Ernie froze.

Mrs. Boudine turned to look at him. “What, dear? I thought you liked eggs and sausage?”

“I do. I just don’t feel like them today.” The memory of the previous morning and breakfast with Butch flashed through his mind.