Chapter 194

Ollie POV

I woke up when it was still mostly dark outside. The room at Uncle Rhodes’s house was quiet—Mama was sleeping beside me, one arm draped over my middle like he was afraid I might disappear if he let go.

But I wasn’t going to disappear.

Papa was.

I’d heard Uncle Troy and Uncle Rhodes talking yesterday when they thought I couldn’t hear. Something about Papa leaving. About Barcelona. About Friday.

Today was Friday.

I didn’t know exactly what time Papa’s plane left, but I knew it was today. And if I didn’t see him before he got on that plane, he might be gone forever. He might never come back.

And I couldn’t let that happen.

Very carefully, I slid out from under Mama’s arm. He stirred a little, mumbling something in his sleep, but didn’t wake up. I held my breath, frozen in place, until his breathing evened out again.

Then I grabbed Mr. Hoppy and my slippers and tiptoed to the door.

The hallway was dark and quie