Page 139 of Valor

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It’s sohard to smile and pretend as though my world isn’t in broken shards by my feet.

Pastor Ford and my dad are talking about an upcoming men’s retreat, while my mom and his wife, Grace, are discussing plans for a bake sale next week so they can send the youth on a mission trip. I know they’re just trying to be normal for my sake, and I appreciate it, but my head is somewhere else.

Bradyn is monitoring the security cameras that cover the ranch’s residences, so he’s not here.

Tucker, Dylan, and Riley all left for a job this morning and won’t be back until tomorrow afternoon. And Elliot is sitting outside of my apartment building, hoping to catch someone trying to sneak back in.

So it’s just me, my parents, the Pastor and his wife. And while I normally would love this company, all I can think about is going up to the guest room so I can finally be alone. Not that it’s what I want, but the person I need most right now isn’t here.

Something I’m trying not to be angry about.

“Hey, Mom?”

“Yeah, sweetie?”

“Is there enough food to take a plate over to Gibson?”

She smiles warmly. “Of course. I’ll get one ready.”

“Great, thanks.” I rush up the steps and pull on a sweatshirt, grab my purse, and shoes, then head back down. By the time I reach the kitchen, she’s putting a glass storage container into an insulated bag.

“All ready to go.”

“Thanks, Mom.” I turn to the Pastor and Grace. “Thank you both so much for coming and for your prayers. I’m sorry that I’m so out of it. It’s been a rough week.”

“Honey, don’t apologize.” Grace reaches out and takes my hand. “We’re just glad you’re okay.”

“Me too. Thank you for being here.”

“Anytime.” Grace pulls me in for a hug.

“Let us know if you need anything, okay? I’m here if you need to talk.” Pastor Ford offers me a hug too, then steps back.

“I appreciate it. Both of you.” And because I know no member of my family will let me leave the house alone, I turn toward my dad. “Do you mind driving me over to the station?” I ask him.

“Not at all. We’ll talk more tomorrow,” he tells Pastor Ford, then slips into his jacket.

“Absolutely. Have a good night, Tommy.”

“You, too, Gabriel.”

A few minutes later, I’m sitting in the front seat of my dad’s truck as we make our way back toward town. Silence stretches between us, with only the humming of the air conditioner and soft music in the background.

“Dinner was a bit much, wasn’t it,” my dad finally says.

Because I’ve never been a good liar, especially to him, I nod. “I’m sorry. I’m just not feeling overly social.”

“You don’t need to apologize, honey.” He reaches over and takes my hand, squeezing it gently before he releases it. “Did I ever tell you about the night I found you?” he asks.

“You want to talk about that?”

He chuckles. “It’s a hard story to tell, but I think it’s important.”

“Okay.” He’s never gone into much detail. Just that I was found wandering the road. I was hungry and crying. Neither he nor my mom ever like to talk about it though because as they say, and I’ve always believed, it’s in the past. As far as they’re concerned, I’m a Hunt and always have been.

“You were so small,” he recalls. “I remember seeing you walking and wondering just how something so small was walking with so much purpose. I’d pulled over the truck and called to you.” He sniffles. “I’ll never forget the look on your face when you turned around. Your eyes were rimmed with red, and when you saw me, you didn’t even hesitate to run toward me, both little arms outstretched.” He turns down Main Street. “You hit me with such force it knocked me off my feet, and for a moment I just sat there, stunned. This little angel was hugging me, offering me all of her trust.” He shakes his head. “I remember pulling back to look at you. You were dirty, your skin cold, your poor little feet were torn up from walking, but you just looked so strong.”

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