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“Did something happen?” I asked with concern.
“I received a message about my mom.”
“Something bad?”
“Yes, she’s very sick.” Onava took a seat on the sofa next to me. “The doctors think she might not live long.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“Me too, but I hope you understand that I need to be with her.”
“Of course,” I agreed. “Where does she live?”
“In Canada. Six hours north of here.”
“Okay.”So not a short drive and back.
“I just called Adam and asked him to come and stay with you. He’s a healer and wise beyond his years.”
“Who, Adam your nephew?”
“Yes.”
“Wait a minute, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“I’m sorry, Chloe. This wasn’t the plan at all.” Her grim expression made me hold back the hysteria I felt inside. She couldn’t just take off and leave me here to fend for myself. I hated being alone, and anyone who had ever seen a horror movie knew not to split up if you’re in a big forest.
Her movements were fast and determined when she got up and started packing clothes.
“But what if Adam doesn’t come?” I asked with a shaky voice.
“He will.”
“But if you take the car and he doesn’t get here?”
“He will.”
“But what if he’s in an accident? How am I going to contact the outside world?”
She frowned for a second and then pointed to the computer. “I’ll leave the laptop for you. It’s hooked up to a satellite connection that gives you access to the Internet. That way you can contact anyone you’d like. The only thing I ask is that you stay away from news sites and social media.”
“Why?”
“Detox, remember? It’s only for emergencies.”
“Understood.”
“As soon as Adam gets here you put the computer away, all right?”
“Okay,” I said pacified by the determination in her movements. There was no reason to argue with Onava. Her mother was dying and she was leaving. With or without my blessing.
Twenty minutes later, Max and I watched Onava take off in her old Ford. I’m sure Max’s persistent barking was his way of protesting that she left him alone with me.
“It’s okay, boy,” I said in an attempt to calm myself. “We’ll be fine. We’re not alone. See, you have me and I have you.”
With his ears hanging low, he ignored me and went inside to take his place by the fireplace.
“She’ll be back soon,” I told him but received nothing but a blank look in return.
