At the second stop, I borrowed Thalia's phone.
Rowan first. It went to voicemail — probably because she didn't recognize the number.
"Row, it's me. I'm okay. I know you've probably seen the news by now and you're freaking out, but I'm okay. I'm... I had to leave town for a while. It's complicated. I'll explain everything when I can, I promise. Just... please don't worry. And don't tell anyone you heard from me. I love you. I'll call again soon."
My parents next. My mother answered on the first ring.
"Hello? Who is this?"
"Mom. It's me."
The sound she made — half sob, half scream — nearly broke me.
"Elowen Marie Walsh, where the hell are you? We saw the news — your cabin — they said there was a fire, they said—"
"I'm okay, Mom. I'm safe. I'm with Fao."
"With— the boyfriend? Elowen,
