She fished the money out of her purse and handed it to the clerk. He handed her the ticket. Just like that, with a simple transaction, Mary changed the course of her life.

After her shift at Meyer’s, she’d have an hour to get to the station and board the bus to Knoxville. For now, she’d have to hurry to be to work on time.

Throughout the day, she went over the plan in her head. She wished she could’ve given Doc more notice, but the more she’d thought about it in recent weeks, the more she came to realize that the moment she quit, someone would tell her mother. In the end, she decided the only way was to tell Doc at the end of her last shift.

She regretted lying to her mother that morning when she hinted that she might meet up with Sam for dinner. Naturally, her mother had been overjoyed. Perhaps she should’ve been honest and told her mother she was leaving for good. She imagined the argument that would have ensued and her mother’s histrionics and threats. No, it was best to leave without fanfare and ask forgiveness later—and from a great distance away. I’m sorry I lied, Mother. I hope it doesn’t take you long to find the note I left in my room letting you know I’m safe.

“Mary? Did you hear me? Could you please get the quinine for Mrs. Robles?”

“Sure, Doc.”

“You can leave after that if you want. I’ll close up tonight.”

Mary swallowed the lump in her throat. She would miss Doc. She retrieved the quinine and waited on the customer. When she was done, she asked, “Doc? Can I talk to you for a second?”

“Sure, what is it?”

Mary checked to make sure there was no one nearby. “I really hate to do this to you, Doc, but this has to be my last shift.”

Doc nearly stumbled backward. “Your last shift? What are you talking about?”

“I’ve been asked to go do something top-secret for the war effort.”

“You? Mary Trask?”

“Yes, sir.”

“What could you do for the war effort that you’re not already doing? You’re not going into battle, are you?”

“No, sir. I’ve been forbidden to give any details, but it’s really important.” She was telling the truth…sort of.

His shoulders slumped. “Are you sure about this?”

“I am.”

“Well, who am I to stand in the way of you helping to win the war? I’ll miss you, Mary.”