She gathered herself and nodded at me. “With everything going on, you’re free today. Take this time and rest. Stress isn’t good for the baby.”

“I will. What about you?”

“I have a prayer meeting,” she said, rising. “I’ll be back in a few hours.”

I would be alone. Which gave me the window I needed to see to Eli.

My heart was already beating hard. I had to figure out what to do, but for now he needed food and some basics. And then we would see.

My mother left twenty minutes later, and I immediately began collecting items I thought Eli could use. Fresh clothes, older and smaller items that didn’t fit Jamie anymore. A blanket, a flashlight, some matches, and a canteen of water. I carefully stole pieces of leftovers here and there, so that not too much of one thing was missing, then packed it all in a backpack and zipped it shut.

Odd as it sounded, I was thankful that the community was steering clear of me, because it gave me reason to stay clear of them. I was just the girl who was spending time alone in her room, repenting of her sin.

“What’s the plan here, Grace?”

Bobbie. Behind me as I stood at the back door.

I gripped the backpack and shut my eyes. If I turned, I’d see her beautiful and worried expression. The wise voice that continued to remind me of the reality I was facing.

The reality that I didn’t really have a plan here.

“You know as well as I do that Eli can’t survive in a train car indefinitely. And he’ll never be safe in Haven Valley.”

I faced her, jaw set.

“You have to send him away,” Bobbie said. “Give him enough supplies to make it to the city.”

“It would take him days, and you know better than I what lies in wait out there,” I said.

“What other choice do you have? You can’t keep him here.”

“I know,” I said, shifting the pack on my shoulder. “I just haven’t figured out what comes next.”

Bobbie frowned and crossed her arms over her chest. “Well, you need to, and quick.” She took a couple steps toward me, her dark eyes holding mine in place. “The longer you protect him, the longer you place yourself in danger. If he stays close to Haven Valley, they’ll find him. And when they find him, they’ll find out you’ve been helping him. Imagine what Rose will do then.”

I knew she was right. I knew the threat against me had only begun, but there had to be a way out where I didn’t risk Eli’s life any more than I already had.

“What about your life, Grace?” Bobbie asked.

I dropped my eyes.

“What about the life inside you? You’re playing with fire.”