Chapter 45

Morwen was seated in a rocking chair near the fireplace, stirring something very pleasant-smelling in a pot on the fire.

“Good morning, Mother.”

“Good morning, Noah. Would you like some breakfast?”

“I would, but first I’d better hit the bathroom.”

“I’m afraid I don’t have indoor plumbing. The outhouse is around the back.”

“Okay.” He’d frequently gone camping with his pop and his brothers, and he’d used worse than a privy in the backyard. “What time is it?” He fumbled for his sneakers. Something else he’d learned—when you’re unfamiliar with an area, never go outside barefoot

“It’s almost ten.”

“How can you tell?” There weren’t any clocks in the cabin, and she wouldn’t have been able to tell the time if there had been—she was blind.

“I can tell.” There was amusement in her tone. “Now go.”

Noah went, and after he returned, he pumped some water to wash his hands and face, then sat down at the table.