Angelina guided her children down. Eli carried Ruth. Sam helped Josie climb. Luke kept Anna close. Angelina followed last, heart pounding.

The wagon rolled forward.

Virgil’s voice chased them, sharp with rage. Netti hurled curses. Neither Jonas nor Angelina looked back.

Wind tugged at the faded ribbon in Angelina’s hair. Tears burned, but she held them.

The road stretched wide before them, fields greening beneath a pale spring sky.

Whatever waited at the end of it would change everything.

They reached Willow Creek by sundown.

Beyond a gentle rise stood a sturdy cabin beside a silver stream. A barn leaned solid and well kept. Smoke curled from the chimney. Chickens scattered near a coop. A dog barked once, then settled.

The children stared.