Chapter 27

As he lay back down, Samuel couldn’t help but think about Abigail and the kids again. He knew he had to find them, no matter what, and that determination overshadowed any momentary discomfort he might have felt.

As Samuel glanced at the Liya’s nakedness, he suddenly realized that is been long he had sex.

“Wait,” he said gently, “is that a scar on your arm?”

Liya looked surprised but nodded, covering herself with a blanket. “Yeah, I got it when I fell off my bike a few years ago.”

Samuel hesitated but then showed her his own arm. “I have a scar too, from a skateboarding accident.”

Liya’s eyes widened, and a small smile formed on her face. “Wow, really? It’s like we’re scar buddies or something.”

Samuel chuckled softly, feeling a bit more at ease. “Yeah, it seems that way.”

As they shared this unexpected connection, the awkwardness between them seemed to lessen. Liya pulled the blanket around herself and sat down on the bed.

“I’m sorry f