Book Five: Chapter 160

“It’s about Mike,” she replied, realizing belatedly that if there was anyone who might actually see things her way, it would be her uncle. The words felt heavier once spoken aloud, as if acknowledging the problem gave it more substance. Instead of spending all day trying to dodge him, weaving through trees and slipping between realms, she could have told him what was going on from the start. Maybe he could have offered help. Or advice. Or at least listened without judgment. It was exactly the sort of thing Eulalie would have told her to do, or even her father, back when his voice had still been something she could hear instead of remember.

God, she missed them both.

“I always dreaded the day you discovered boys.” Bigfoot chuckled at his own joke, the sound low and rumbling in his massive chest. He shot her a sideways glance, one bushy eyebrow lifting with exaggerated concern. “Tell me.”