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Tess crept across the darkened yard and slipped into the chicken pen, latching the gate behind her Sighing, exhausted, she plunged her hand into the burlap sack and scooped up a fistful of grain

"Here, chicky-chicky-chicky," she called, scattering the golden kernels across the shadowy yard Dozens of birds ran into one another, squeezing together in a great, feathered rain

Tess stared at the cluster of birds without seeing theht for the thousandth time today Where are you7

She was so deep in thought, it took her a

&

nbsp; Footsteps

Jack!

Tess spun around, accidentally dropping the bag of grain in her haste Corn spilled across her feet Birds surged toward her, ringing her skirts and pecking feverishly at her feet

She irain back into the bag "What are you doing?"

Tess heard Jack's scratchy, angry voice and thought it was the most wonderful sound she'd ever heard She'd been so worried S, she looked up

He was standing about ten feet away frohter's stance, ar the tired droop of his shoulders His face was a dark void beneath an even darker hat Tess opened her mouth to speak, and was surprised to find a lump in her throat "Hi, Jack," she said quietly "We missed you"

"Howhow long was I gone?"

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Tess felt a momentary confusion at the question Her eyes narrowed, focused on the shadowy area of his face