Chapter 107

They traveled through forest and field, plateau and wasteland, dirt and paved roads.

Lia held onto Claude's hand for the duration of the journey from Del Casa to Valencia. They looked out their respective car windows, a nuanced silence falling over them. The anxiety that this might be the end and the excitement of seeing her mom coexisted within Lia's heart, tearing her to pieces. These feelings were only intensified by her wistful longing for the man beside her, an emotion she knew would dominate her for the next month.

Her body swayed violently sideways as the car drove down an unpaved road. Flustered, she clutched the door handle in a futile attempt to stop bouncing around.

"Hold onto me," Claude said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

"I don't want to burden you."

"You could never," he answered, pecking her cheek. She grinned, leaning comfortably against his chest.