CHAPTER 34CHARLIE
November 18, 2090
“She told me to get Todd to the hospital . . . she wouldn’t leave without him . . . They had a red truck . . .” Sweat beaded across my forehead as my tongue stumbled over an explanation of Rochelle’s absence and Todd’s unexpected homecoming while Alexander, Kinley, and Kat listened in silence. Although I wanted to get in the truck and drive until Maibe, Nebraska, was so far behind me I could forget it ever existed, I knew it wouldn’t be that easy. Kinley and Kat deserved better after all they had done for me, and the stubborn hope in Rochelle’s eyes would haunt me until I brought her home.
We all stood in the unbearably hot break room off the hospital’s waiting room, Alexander with his hands in his pockets, face drawn with concern; Kinley rubbing her
