"It's hard when other people have control. I knew Griz back when we were younger. His dad was awful. He beat the shit out of Griz. The last time, when Griz took off, the police arrested me, and I was in juvenile detention for a week. It doesn't compare to what you suffered, but I felt totally helpless. I was in for seven days. I can't imagine being at the mercy of someone else's whims for six years."
"I'm sorry that happened to you. You know, I just got used to it. At first, I was trying to survive, then I realized it wasn't going to change. Brent would never let me go, and my sister wasn't coming back for me. I don't know what happened to her."
“We should look into that. Thario is really good at finding people. He needs time for his concussion to go away, but I bet we can start looking for her and see where she is.”
“That would be great. I hope she is okay. It has been years. She was an adult, but still living at home and going to college. I guess she’s done with college now.”
They stopped to get gas and for a bathroom break. Thario didn’t say much, but she noticed he kept his eyes on her while she was in the store. It made her feel safe.
Once back in the car, they listened to music. When Elowen turned off the music, she sat up and glanced around.
“We’re almost to the house,” Elowen said.
They turned down a drive, and she saw a huge house. “Oh wow, is that yours?”
“Yes. I bought it and did a lot of work inside. It’s my pride and joy.”
The house came into view, and Calla stared with her mouth open. "I'm impressed."
“Thank you. No one thought I would amount to much, but I’ve been able to follow my passions.”
“That’s amazing.”
They drove past the big place to a smaller cabin that was hidden away from the larger house. “This looks very private and secluded.”
"It is. Honestly, I got Knuckles, which helped me feel not so alone."
“Makes sense.”
Thario's van parked behind them, and as she got out, the guys opened the door, and Frog jumped out first. He ran over to some bushes and marked them.
Another car pulled in, and a smaller German Shepard jumped out, running to greet Elowen first, then Frog.
Griz and Thario walked over, and Griz was shaking his head. "I knew she liked Frog more than me."
Elowen chuckled. “She loves you. She’s just excited to see Frog.”
“How was your drive up?” Thario asked.
Calla turned to him, liking that he was paying attention to her. “Good. We talked some.”
“That’s good. I’m looking forward to being up here. The place I’m staying for now is about ten miles away. I may not be able to drive for a few days, but I’ll come by when I can.”
“I’d like that. I probably should spend some time thinking. It’s weird being free. Nice, but I don’t know where to start.”
“Getting a good night’s sleep tonight, and eating something would be a good start.”
She nodded as she noticed that the woman who’d dropped off Elowen’s dog was leaving after talking to Elowen and Griz.
She was alone with Thario since Griz and Elowen went inside. The dogs were still out with them, but they weren’t paying attention to her and Thario.
They hadn't stopped for food, and she was getting a little hungry. When her stomach growled, embarrassment hit hard. She was sure her cheeks went red.
Thario put his hand on her shoulder. “I’m hungry, too. I could probably eat a moose.”
Laughter bubbled up. “A moose?”
He shrugged. “Maybe not a moose, but a burger for sure. Or even some pasta would be good.”
