Petra had a strange expression on her face—neither worry, nor sympathy. Some other countenance he was in no condition to interpret. Her lips moved, but all he could hear was high-pitched ringing in his ears. He bent down and rested his hands on his knees, allowing more blood to rush to his head. The ringing subsided.
Elias hopped around him. “Did you see the prairie dogs, Uncle Sam? They ran around us.”
Sami straightened, shaking his head. “Sorry, I didn’t.”
“See those chickens over there by the white fence?” Petra addressed Elias. “Walk DeLeenas over there? Don’t let go of their hands. We’ll be right there.”
“Yes, mama.” Elias walked the girls a few steps over.
Petra handed Sami a water bottle. “What happened?”
Sami squeezed water over his head and neck. “I don’t do well in cramped
