“Memorize it. If you need anything …” He glances somewhere far off before returning to me. “No questions asked.” I stare at it, searching for … what? I’m not sure. Maybe a sign that it doesn’t all end like this. “Thank you.” He taps the hood. “No. Thank you for Mercy. For being good to Rena. Be safe. Be smart.” The door closes with a bang, and it’s only me, the ten-hour drive ahead, my sullied memories, and my new existence.
