A twig snaps and I stop dead. I pray for a walker. A herd, even. I will Joshua to stay hidden. Yeah. Remember him?

Jay, says my dad, as Joshua’s head pops into view, happy expectation quickly erased from his face. I hang my head as I turn to face dad. And Dep. My fists clench. Who betrayed me? Who do I love that didn’t trust me enough to leave me fucking be? Damn it.

I want to scream and lash out but Eama and Jessica’s frowning, tousled heads appear next to Joshua’s. Eama’s eyes widen when she sees Dep. I forget how strangers might see him. I haven’t even thought to tell you.

I want to tell the kids to run, but I know it won’t work. They are stronger than they were, but wouldn’t last long. I need a plan, a lie, something. If they find out about the kids, they will know about me, too, and I knew what dad would do. Have to do.

But instead of a strategy, I throw up in a bush. As you can see, I am stellar in a crisis.

Jesus, Jay – what is going on? Who are these kids? Dad asks. The girls begin to weep. They know why I have kept them hidden. They cry that they are going to die.