Page 138 of One Step Too Far

Then, just like that, I have the clarity I need. Who I am now. But also, who I want to one day be.

And then... I’m ready to go. The switch has been thrown. It’s time to depart.

I climb out of bed in the darkened room. I slip on my new pants, old sneakers. Retrieve my jacket, zip up my bag. I can feel Daisy’s eyes upon me as I draw out the thick envelope of bills and count out enough to cover my half of the room. Luciana will squawk when she sees it. But their gift is too much, and a woman with my lifestyle shouldn’t be carrying around that much cash anyway.

I cross lightly to Luciana’s bed. She’s still sleeping. I kiss two of my fingertips and press them lightly against her temple. Then I hug Daisy’s boxy head. I tell her, “Never forget, somewhere in this big ole country, there’s a drifter who loves you.”

I carry my bags to the door.

I could wait till morning, a proper goodbye, a ride to the next town. But this feels right. This... feels like me.

One last moment to look around. To feel sad, to feel optimistic. To acknowledge what I’ve lost, to recognize what I still hope to gain.

Then I step out the door.

My name is Frankie Elkin.

There’s a missing eight-year-old boy who deserves to come home again.

And I’m going to find him.