Chapter 15

We walk in silence behind the troops. Every now and then, he gently rubs his hand down my arm for comfort. The gentle touch of his hands are warm and comforting. This helps me to relax and to start to trust Joseph a little more.

But when his rubs become faster and a little rougher, my anxiety picks up. It doesn’t last too long because I hear a whistle call. Two tweets followed by three tweets. As soon as the final tweet sounds, Joseph tugs on my arms and pushes me behind a tree.

"Stay here. I’m going to find your Dad. Do not leave until I come back and do not leave with anyone else. If you see your Dad, tell him to wait right here. Do you understand?"

I nod and he gives me a quick kiss on the forehead. He turns and darts toward the other side of the woods. I start to work my way out of the ropes but I can’t get out that easy.