Chapter 281

• Leah sat forward in the seat as he pulled in, she’d never been in a store. The few times she’d been able to go with her grandfather, she hadn’t been able to bring herself to go in with him. Jesse said it was up to her, but thought she should so she could select some snacks of her own. He’d gone in alone the last time for snacks, so she thought maybe she should help. She had no idea what she would like. She could see rows of items on a shelf. Leaning closer to the windshield, she read all the colored signs on the window, not understanding what any of them were for.
• “Ready?” He turned off the van.
• Blowing out a breath, she undid her seat belt. “I think so.” She looked over at him, trying not to panic. “Is it—can I hold your hand?” She felt silly saying it. “It helps me stay here.”