Chapter 45: Caressa Surrenders

Caressa’s POV

Chara gave Caressa a fierce hug. Caressa had forgotten how tiny Chara was. Standing in a room full of burly men dwarfed Chara even more. Caressa did not recognize Waylon on sight.

“Caressa,” Waylon said her name and she paused.

It took several moments before she responded. “Waylon?”

Waylon smiled. “Yes, it is I. You can see now.”

“Oh Waylon.” Caressa made her way to him and hugged him tightly. “When did you get here? What about your family?”

Waylon hugged her back. “You are family, Caressa.”

“My goodness. How is everyone? How is the colony?” Caressa asked.

“Just as you left it,” he stated.

Caressa nodded knowing that now was not the time to catch up. They all sat around the table. Chara sat on one side of her, Waylon on the other; Michyle sat directly across from her.

“The bad news,” Elder Shaundy began, “is that the Elders already know you are here, Caressa and Michyle.”

“What? How?” Michyle asked.