Book 10: Swollen River

Ryan

Jerrod stands beside me in the glare of early morning. Both of us are pretending like we’re watching the dark, angry storm clouds barreling toward us, directly in the path I’m supposed to be traveling today, and not the heart wrenching scene taking place only a few feet away. 

Aviva is doing her best to explain to a fitful Lora that they’ll see each other again. Lora is shaking her head and shoving her teddy bear against a desperate Aviva’s chest, telling her to take it to keep her safe at night. What's worse is that Shosanna is nowhere to be found. She didn’t come here, to the edge of the village, to say goodbye to Aviva, and I can tell by the forlorn look on Aviva’s face that this is one of the most painful things she’s ever had to do. 

I’m gutted. Absolutely gutted. This feels so incredibly unfair. 

Jerrod sighs beside me, cursing under his breath. I glance at him, noticing the wetness in his eyes. He catches me looking