“But we were supposed to travel there together,” she said, her voice little more than a whisper. “That was the plan. Since the beginning.”

“We didn’t know about this place in San Diego though, Emily. It seems…it seems like an opportunity too good to pass up.” I paused. God, my throat ached. It hurt to say this even if I knew it was true. Because I wanted her to be safe more than anything or I’d cease to be useful at all.

She paused only a moment. “Yes, it’s somewhere safe when there isn’t much of that anymore. And my parents may need it too. They may have lost everything. They may be barely surviving.”

“Right. And like Layne said, the community members in San Diego appreciate the fact that Leon’s brought artists to join them too. Your voice, Em, your songs…don’t underestimate how much people need music right now. If those residents recognize that value, they must be good, and wise.”

Again, she was silent, and with each quiet breath, I felt the chasm widening between us. “I… I wanted that,” she said. “A way to use my music to help. Even…a little.”

“Yes,” I said. Tell me this is all wrong even if it seems right. Stay with me. But that was only my selfishness talking and I wouldn’t let that lead me. Not anymore. I’d already decided I was leaving.

“Will you go to Kansas and meet back up with Hosea?” she asked, her voice a whisper.

“If you and your parents are safe, then I’ll go and help where I’m needed. We’re at war now, Emily. That’s essentially what it is. And Hosea and his team are doing good work for those who are most at risk now. They’re making a difference and they’ll only be more necessary as time goes on. They could use me.”

She was silent for several heavy moments. “Yes, they’ve probably grown since we were there. They—they rescued so many abandoned children and youth. There must be so many more out there…waiting. And as far as my parents, I’m hopeful, you know, that they’re okay. They have good friends. They’re smart. They’re away from major cities. If there were fires, hopefully their farm was spared. And if so, they have food. I think they’re okay.”

“I do too, Em.”

“But even if they don’t need a place to go, they’ll be worried about me. They need to know I’m okay.”

“I’ll deliver the message.”

“If nothing else, it could be a good rest stop on your way back to Kansas.”

“Yes.”