"But Dad—" Reaves began.
Charles held up his hand."We'll talk later."
Ollie watched him go but couldn't resist calling after him."I hope you'll include me in these talks, Charles.I meant what I said; I want to help, too."
His throat tightened when Charles turned back and smiled as he said, "Of course I'll include you.This is a family matter, after all."
~ ~ ~
Callie's heart started to pound as she approached the camper and noticed that the curtains were still closed.She watched the door, hoping that it might swing open, that little Zia might appear and wave at her, but it stayed stubbornly shut until she reached it.
She only hesitated for a moment before tapping gently on the door.
She felt bad when she heard Alara say in a low voice, "Zia, no, come back here."
She didn't want to frighten them, make them wonder who was out here."It's only me," she called."It's Callie."
A few moments later, she heard the door unlock, and when it opened, Alara stood there, looking even paler than she had when Callie last saw her.
"Hey, are you okay?"
Alara shrugged but didn't reply.
Zia peeked out from behind her mom's legs.Even she seemed subdued."Hi, Miss Callie Clay," she said quietly.
"Hi, Zia.Did you not feel up to the drive?"she asked Alara.
Alara brought her hand to her forehead."No.I couldn't make myself do it.Shoot, I'm sorry.Come on in — I don't mean to keep you on the doorstep."
Callie followed them inside and closed the door behind her.
"Open the curtains, would you, Z?"Alara asked.
Zia clambered over the seats, pulling the curtains back and allowing at least some gray light inside.
Alara sank into the chair and gestured for Callie to sit.
"What can I do?"Callie asked.
"There's nothing thatcanbe done."
"No, don't say that.We'll figure it out.I told you I'd drive you up there, and I meant it."
Callie's mind was racing.She'd figure it out.She didn't know how, but if she drove the camper, she could probably get a bus back from Portland.She pulled her phone out."I can get myself covered to drive the Suburban for you.I think I can add it as a vehicle on my insurance or something.There has to be a way.I know there will."
Alara leaned forward and rested her head in her hands."Don't, Callie."
"No, but I—"
"I know you want to help, and I appreciate it, but it's too late."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, I gave myself one more day yesterday, hoping that somehow—" Alara looked up."Maybe with all the good food that you brought for us, I'd feel up to driving today.But I can't do it.I mean, maybe I could, but I won't risk it.I keep going dizzy."She glanced at Zia, who, Callie noticed, was still wearing her pajamas, her dark hair a mass of tangled curls, her eyes wide and a little afraid.
"You need to see a doctor," said Callie.
Alara let out a short, bitter laugh."Tell me something I don't know.That's the whole point of going to Portland in the first place.Or at least it was."
