15 Cassie
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The nuns had generously offered us food, bottled water, and blankets for our journey. We had just finished loading the Honda with the items when I felt as if I was forgetting something else. I closed my eyes and did a mental list of what we’d need and what might still be missing, but just couldn’t put my finger on it.
“You’re leaving?”
I opened my eyes and turned around to find Kallie staring up at me with tears in her blue eyes.
“Yes,” I said, feeling a tug at my heart. I bent down on one knee. “I have to go look for my grandparents, and Nora needs to find her father.”
“Take me with you,” she pleaded, throwing her arms around me. “I’ll be good. I promise!”
I closed my eyes and hugged her back. “I can’t, honey,” I said, now feeling choked up myself. “It’s too dang
