Cole hasn't cried for a whole day. At least, he thinks it's been a day. He is rather impressed with himself. His mind grasps onto these little victories and spins wonderful stories in his head. He has long lost his fear of the dark. Sees that as a huge win too. Score two for the home team.

Part of the reason is crying makes him cough. He's been doing it for a couple of days. It comes and goes, the burning in his lungs. The heat in his face and body. It hurts to cough too much. ...