“You are the best dog in the whole world. You know that, don’t you?” Ash said. “Promise you’ll look after Becca, okay?”

He wagged his tail even harder. Ash hugged him one last time and grabbed Freud’s leash. She hurried across the street, calling out to Hopper. Taking Freud was a mistake, but she could at least make that right. Once she was done, she would finish her round of pawnshops and meet Nate. In a few short hours they would board a bus together, and head off toward a brand-new future. Just a few more hours.

BECCA

Becca opened her eyes, wincing as the light burst through the downstairs curtains. She blinked furiously, trying to orient herself. She must have fallen asleep on the sofa. Becca remembered with instant regret the bottle of cabernet she opened after dinner. She rarely drank, but as the night wore on, Becca’s uneasiness grew, and she told herself one glass would take the edge off. Once Ash went to bed, Becca kept refilling her glass again and again, until the bottle was empty. She fell into a heavy, dreamless sleep. Her skull ached, and her mouth was dry. She would definitely regret her carelessness today. Becca sat up, fumbling around on the coffee table for her cell phone, stunned to find that it was almost seven thirty. Damn it, Becca wanted to talk to Ash about her new recovery plan and now there was no time. They were both going to be late.

Becca eased herself off the couch. “Ash! Freud! We overslept,” she called out, waiting for Freud to come bounding down the hall. She was met with an overwhelming silence. Becca headed upstairs and back down the hall. “Hey, Ash, rise and shine. It’s time to wake,” Becca called out.

No one responded. Becca pushed open Ash’s door and gasped. The bedspread was lying in a heap on the floor. The drawers were half-open, clothing and papers strewn about the room. Becca’s heart dropped. Ash always kept everything spotless, her bed neatly made, clothes hung in tidy rows, organized by style and color. This was common with foster kids. Keep everything neat and tidy, don’t make any messes, and maybe they’ll let you stay. If you don’t, it’s easy to pack it all up again. Becca swallowed hard, trying to remain calm. She could imagine Ash teasing her about overreacting. “Becca you really need to chill,” she would say. Don’t panic yet.

She turned on her heels, doing another loop around the house. “Ash! Freud!” Becca shouted, unable to control the frenzied tone. She searched the guest room and her bedroom. No sign of them. Becca grabbed her cell phone and dialed. Ash’s voice mail picked up on the first ring. “This is Ash. Leave a message. Or better yet text me.”

“Ash, it’s Becca. Where are you? Please call me back. I’m worried,” Becca said. She hung up and sent a quick text. Please call me. I woke up and you weren’t here. I’m very worried!