"Outside? I didn't go outside. I can't even get a glass of water from the kitchen without you thinking I went outside?"
She doesn't look at her mother. Beatrice purses her lips, stares at Lucea for a moment before she goes back to her room. As soon as Lucea hears the door to her mother's room close, she gets out of bed, walking stealthily this time so as not to be heard. She successfully gets outside and finds the woman sitting on the swing beside the house.
"What took you so long?"
"My mom. She came to check on me. Imagine that? Like I am a little girl."
"Yes, you are a sweet little girl. Anyone who sees you is compelled to protect you."
"I am not a little girl."
The woman chuckles."Follow me."
Lucea follows the woman, holding her hand, out to the nearby tarmac.
They pass by sever
