I was doing all I could to make sure he got everything he needed. That morning, I’d looked like a cartoon character, creeping out of the bedroom. It made Brody grumpy every time he woke without me, but it couldn’t be helped. The chickens needed their breakfast, and Brody needed his rest.

I opened and closed the front door as quietly as possible. Making my way into the kitchen, I set the eggs on the counter and moved directly for the coffee maker. I needed an extra hit of caffeine today. Between taking care of Brody and making sure everything on the island ran smoothly, I was running myself ragged.

But it was only for a few more weeks. Brody was more himself each and every day. I poured a cup of coffee, added some half and half and sugar, and then slid onto a stool at the counter. I opened my laptop screen and scanned through the secret email account I kept for Google alerts on my brother and aunt. Nothing.

With a sigh of relief, I was about to close the computer when a ding sounded. I clicked open the chat app E and I used. There was a new message from her.

Evergreenl3: Are you home?

It was the most bizarre question coming from her. Of course, I was home. Other than my quick trips to the other islands, I was always home. And I never checked the chat app on my phone, the connection wasn’t secure.

Phoenix26: I’m here.

Evergreenl3: I hope you were serious about wanting me to come visit…

Phoenix26: You know I was. When can you come?

I instantly began planning all the things I wanted to do with her. Take the kayaks out, go whale watching. I wanted us to eat sandwiches at The General Store and go to Bell’s workshop at Second Chances. We’d have to do a huge barbeque so she could meet all of my friends.

Evergreenl3: I’m already here.

I glanced at the clock on the wall. It wasn’t even eight a.m. The first ferry didn’t arrive for another couple of hours, at least.

Phoenix26: Did you get here yesterday? Why didn’t you message?

Something was wrong. This wasn’t like E at all. She planned everything down to the smallest detail.

Evergreenl3: It was late. I just stayed at a little motel on Anchor. That’s the island closest to you, right?

Shelter was actually a bit closer, and it would’ve been easier for her to stay there instead of having to stay on the ferry even longer, but none of that mattered. E was here. Without warning. And that meant something was wrong.

Phoenix26: E, what’s going on? Where are you? I’ll come get you right now.

Evergreenl3: I can walk to the docks. That’s where you come into town, right?

Phoenix26: I’ll be there in twenty minutes.