My pulse flips. The girls are ten feet away, chanting about rematches, and he almost kissed me again.
“Later,” I whisper.
That wicked twist at the corner of his lips says he’s going to hold me to that.
I lift my phone, snapping photos of the girls charging uphill. Jamie bolts after them, scooping Honey onto his shoulder and stealing Kiki’s sled.
Just for the website, I tell myself. Social media content. Families love this stuff.
But I’m already swiping through the photos, pausing on one where all three of them are mid-laugh, eyes bright, snow sparkling around them like confetti. I favorite it. Then favorite two more.
A low belting sound pulls my gaze back to the tree line. One of the reindeer is stripping bark off a trunk—Jiji, my favorite. A few days ago, she started sneaking into the barn when the lights clicked on, and now I can’t resist slipping her extra alfalfa.
I wander closer, crouching to see streaks of red and green moss running under the bark.
I peel a piece of moss loose, rolling it between my gloved fingers. It’s everywhere out here, blanketing the tree.What if it’s not a virus?What if it’s something they’re eating, something toxic that builds up in their system until they develop gastrointestinal distress?
I tuck the sample into my pocket, my mind already racing through toxicity protocols and lab tests.
Behind me, Honey shouts, “Joy! You missed it! We totally crashed!”
I turn back, and they’re all waving at me, three bundled figures against a backdrop of white and blue sky, looking like they’re waiting for me to come back.
So, I do.
Chapter 16
Alien Abduction
Fourteen Days Left of Feeling Like I’m Part of a Family
Miriam
Patty told me you emailed her to help with a website…
What happened to not working??????????
?????????????
Joy
It’s for a good cause.
This reindeer sanctuary needed help
Miriam
You’re in Maine?
WHO IS THIS JAMIE MAN
Is this you in a picture?
Are you smiling?
Have you been replaced by an alien?
Joy
