"Who says I should make that decision?" I snapped.

"Mama…" King whimpered sleepily. "What's wrong?"

I gripped his hand. "Nothing, honey. It's time to wake up so that we can go home."

King rubbed his eyes and then looked over at Bassma. "Can Bassma come with us?"

Alexis lifted King off the cot. "Bassma has his own home. We've overstayed our welcome. We need to leave."

Bassma followed us outside.

"Thank you for your hospitality," I said, even ...