Page 131 of We Redeemed the Rain

He nodded like he understood.

“That all the clothes you got?”

“My buddy locked me out of the room we were renting. I left with what I had.”

“I’ve got extra.”

“That’s okay, I can?—”

“You look awful. I’ll bring some in the morning.”

“Okay.”

I turned to go.

“Tag?”

I glanced back.

He lifted a tortilla and a glob of shredded chicken splat on his paper plate. “Tell Bea thank you. I’d do it myself but I think it’s against the rules.”

I rolled my eyes but said, “Will do.”

THIRTY-SIX

Tag

“Look, Tag!” Bea turns a circle in the barnyard and her hair spins around, catching a bit of falling light.

I smile and nod. She’s laughing. I love her laugh, but I wish she would stop. I need to listen. I turn to peer down the driveway.

Nothing. Safe.

“Tag, you’re not looking!”

My voice feels thick. “I’m—I’m looking. I see.”

Two hands capture the sides of my face and jerk it down. “Tag, focus on me.”

“I am focused.” I feel angry. I’m doing the best I can.

Somewhere, someone starts an engine. I whirl around, breaking out of her grasp. My eyes dart down the driveway. I take a few quick strides away, looking for the source of the sound. It’s Jesse starting the baler.

Nothing. Safe.

I wave frantically to have him turn it off, but he’s not looking. I can’t hear above the noise.

If I can’t hear, I have to keep watch.

So I stand at the end of the driveway, plant my feet, and watch.

Bea huffs behind me. “What are you doing?”

“Watching.”

“You’re supposed to be watching me!”

“I can’t right now.”

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