Chapter 41: DOWN HOME

Ashleigh got out of her car Sunday afternoon. She had roamed around Christopher's house missing him and had a desire to do something that would make her feel even closer to him. Now she was wondering what in the hell she had been thinking. She lingered there for a moment and considered getting back in though she said she wouldn't do that. But she considered it. Then one of the kids called her name.

"Miss Ashleigh!"

She plastered on a smile and headed to the little girl; Rachel. "Hi Miss Ashleigh! Where's Uncle Chris?" The other kids surrounded her in curiosity.

"Your uncle is still on his mission."

"Aww." They began to disburse. Rachel stuck with her and slipped her little hand into Ashleigh's.

"I don't like when he goes away for a long time," she said. Ashleigh gave her small hand a gentle squeeze.

"I don't either." The two of them headed for the side door and Ashleigh took a deep breath, knocking briefly before poking her head in. "Hello?"

Five sets of heads turned to he