Chapter 42

TYLER

Yesterday morning, I told Ada that I would like to come stay with her for a while, and she agreed. I would be going in two days time, and so far, I had only told Johnny.

I intended to tell Grandpa and Grandma right now.

"Hey," I said, joining them in the backyard as they spoke in low voices. "I have something to tell you."

Grandpa stared at me intently with his one eye. "Did the ring glow?"

I shook my head. "No, not that. I wanted to tell you that I will be going to the city in two days. I don't even know how long I will stay."

Grandma looked at me as if I had lost my senses. "You can't be serious, Ty. You know we need to stick together in these times. Going out only makes us weaker."

Grandpa chipped in, supporting his wife. "You can't forget that we don't even know what's waiting for us. Going out now, even for work, is very unwise, and you know it."

I loved how Grandpa used the term "unwise" when talking to me; it was a less harsh way of addressing one's folly.

I drew closer t