Page 113 of Suncatcher

“Good.”

“I thought you’d be disappointed.”

Sheriff Oak shrugged, and grimaced. “Trains are noisy. I would’ve missed the quiet.”

It wasn’t that simple, and they both knew it. But Pearl couldn’t muster up any regret. She couldn’t muster up much of anything, too busy suppressing the horrible clawing emptiness in her chest. “Thanks for coming to rescue me.”

Sheriff Oak huffed weakly. “Didn’t work so well.”

“Yes it did. We are here, and I am safe.”

Her mother frowned, her eyes troubled. “You’re starting to speak funny. All formal and shit.”

“Am I?”

Sheriff Oak looked down at the quilt covering her lap, her chapped fingers finding a loose thread. “Did you know your grandparents owned most of Plainsburgh?”

Pearl blinked. “What?”

“On your father’s side. He was from a very old, very wealthy family.”

Pearl had known her father came from the city, but not that. “How have I never heard that?”

“Because they disowned him. When he chose me. To marry me and stay. Lot of good it did him, in the end.”

“His death wasn’t your fault.”

“Not entirely. But I could’ve done so much differently.” She looked back at Pearl. “I always swore I’d never try to stop you from your own life. That I’d never make you choose like he had to choose. And I’ve failed at that too.”

Pearl didn’t know what to say.

“Where is she? Your…Driz?”

Tears stung Pearl’s eyes, the control she had over her emotions slipping. “I don’t know. She left.”

“Because of me?”

Pearl shook her head. “Because she woke. Two of the five we lost were from her. When she was trying to get to me.” Pearl didn’t blame Driz for that. She didn’t expect the sheriff to be so forgiving. Yet she wouldn’t hide it from her either. She’d learn soon enough. “She thought she hurt me.”

“Did she?” Her mother’s eyes sharpened.

“No. I’m a little bruised from the whole thing, but I’m perfectly fine. I tried to tell her that, but she didn’t listen.” Pearl stood abruptly and paced to the window, agitated. “No one fucking listens.”

“I’m listening. I promise I’m listening, Pearl. Talk to me. Tell me.”

Instead of stopping, the tears flowed harder. “She didn’t mean any of it. She didn’t want anyone to get hurt. You should’ve seen her face when she realized what happened. She doesn’t even hunt mammals.” Pearl struggled for air. “She’s just so kind, and thoughtful. Not because she’s trying to prove or gain anything. I feel safe with her. She hasn’t said it, but I feel her love. And I’m terrified that she’s finally realized I’m not worth it. I don’t think she’s coming back this time.”

The words hung in the room between Pearl’s heaving gasps as the emotions and fears spilled out of her. Her mother’s own face was wet as she watched Pearl sag, her traitorous body revolting, sliding down the wall to the floor.

“Then go after her. Take a search party.”

That startled Pearl’s tears into submission. “What?”

“I’ve failed you enough. I’ve still got no idea how it’ll work, but if she’s what you truly want, and what’ll make you happy…” Sheriff Oak swallowed, grimacing, “…then I’ll learn to live with it.”

“No more shooting her?”

“No more shooting, no more threats. Unless she does hurt you, then all bets are off.”