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I turn back to her.

“Your backpack is safe at Iron Ridge.”

“I know.”

“Deputy Martin is there.”

“I know.”

“The letters⁠—”

“Are safe.”

She steps closer.

“Bring her back.”

Three words.

No tears this time.

No argument.

Just a daughter asking me to bring home the mother she has never known.

“I’m going to try.”

Sage nods.

Then she does something I don’t expect.

She hugs me.

Her arms wrap around my waist, and her face presses against my chest.

I freeze for half a second before holding her.

“I just found you,” she whispers.

My eyes close.

“I know.”

“So don’t do anything stupid.”

A laugh escapes me.

A real one.

“I’ll try.”

“That isn’t very reassuring.”

“I spent eighteen years with those three. They’ve kept me alive this long.”

“Then listen to them.”

“I’ll consider it.”