cheeks flushed, lips dry.
When she saw Harlan, she tried to move.
“No,” he said gently. “Stay still.”
“I’m sorry,” she whispered again.
He touched her forehead.
She was burning with fever.
Across the room, a cup of water sat on the dresser, full and untouched.
Too far away for her to reach.
“I tried to get it,” Sadie said. “But the floor moved when I stood up.”
Harlan looked at the cup, then thought of the medicine downstairs and the note in his pocket.
Everything was clear.
Medicine she could not safely reach.
Water too far from the bed.
A note telling her not to ask for help.
Then Sadie asked, “Did I ruin Carter’s trip?”
That question hurt more than anger ever could.
“No, sweetheart,” Harlan said. “You didn’t ruin anything.”
