Chapter 4

I didn't stay in the village.

I caught the first bus back to the city that night and found a budget hotel near the train station.

I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, my mind spinning in circles.

I called Susan. "Mom, I made it."

"How'd it go?" she asked.

"It went."

"Were they good to you?"

"Oh yeah." I let out a breath. "So good. They acted like I was their winning lottery ticket."

Susan went quiet for a moment. "Emily, did they ask you for something?"

"Yeah. My brother needs money for his wedding."

"What'd you tell…