Chapter 388

Everyone moved. It surprised Mila how many people were here, but so many seemed to be missing too.

Mama took her hand. On her other side was her younger cousin Paiga. Normally she annoyed Mila, with all the questions she asked, but the scared expression in her eyes reminded Mila of Addy. She offered her other hand to Paiga, who took it with a tentative smile.

The group began to walk.

Mila hadn't realized until now how tired she was. She stumbled over the riverbed the rocks stubbing her toes as she held Paiga and Mama's hands. It made tears run down her cheeks, but she didn't stop. On and on, picking her feet up, tripping, Mama's hand stopping her from falling. Paiga tripped and Mila managed to hold her arm high enough to stop her cousin from hitting the stones.

'Thanks, Mila,' Paiga sounded like she felt. Ready to cry. So very tired.

Around them the adults talked. Mila listened.

'Where do we go?'

'The hidden caves. We can keep underground nearly all the way to the coast.'