Mom leans on me as we make our way into the caves. Unsurprisingly, we"re not alone for long, and my dad and sisters appear as if out of nowhere, chattering excitedly in relief. I"m glad the kids are off playing at the moment though. Mom looks sick. Her time as a prisoner has taken a heavy toll on her. We need to get her rested and fed before she does anything else.
We end up in a big family hug with mom in the middle. She"s crying. I think we all are. I"m so relieved to have her back. And safe. I"m not even sure how Callie managed it, but I know our family owes her a debt of gratitude we can never repay.
I look over Dad"s shoulder to see Callie between James and Will, and all three of them watching us. Will"s eyes fill with tears, but he closes them tight, unwilling to let them fall. Eve
