Chapter 5

My abortion was scheduled for next month. The doctor kept hesitating and holding back, unwilling to tell me the truth. I already knew what he was avoiding. Even with treatment, I probably didn't have much time left. I went to Vowline Skyway and took down the two plaques myself—the ones carved with Keegan's name and mine. I went through the photo albums again and again, clearing them out until only a few solo shots were left. I booked the earliest flight to Westlark. Keegan called right as I was about to board. "Naomi, where'd you go? Anna said she wants that chicken pie from Westlark today. Bring some when you come back—" I hung up on him and went straight to Westlark. Grandma hadn't seen me in a long time, so she cooked up a whole feast for me. She dug out my childhood photos and sat with me in the yard while we soaked up the sun. "This one's from when you were ten. You took first place in your class and came running over to brag to me," Grandma said. "This one's from when you