Page 76 (1/2)

“You look horrid Do I?”

“Oh yeah” I ignore the sudden dip of ged in”

That le “We need baths”

We don’t try to go over the peak where all the rock fell Instead we h the valley toward the ocean, toward the Patches Toward the road where I’ When we round the peak’s grassy side, the ocean’s surface flashes brightly,my heart beat off-rhythm

Finley’s hand finds ers intertwine “You need a rest…in bed”

“I’m cool”

Her sad sh

She reclines my seat, hands me some water The cap’s off, but I don’t notice till it spills on my lap

“Blimey…”

My head aches My stomach feels somehow both sick and hollow

“When we get to town, they’ll likely crowd the Land Rover I’ll lock the doors and only open et out and explain I believe I’ll tell theot a concussion Perhaps a cracked rib If you’d like, we’ll drive directly to the clinic”

I shake et my rubber mouth to form words “Not there,” I whisper

I fall through silence as our tires buravel

“Okay,” she says “Ga what you need”

I try to stay awake, so I can listen if she wants to share uess I fail When I open h the s Finley’s chair is eain