Cora
I splashed cold water on my face and stared into the mirror, barely recognizing the woman looking back at me.
My eyes were red and swollen. My skin was pale. I looked like someone running from more than just a pack. I looked like someone running from herself.
I had to keep going.
I padded out into the main room, careful not to wake Riley. He was curled up like a wolf pup under the threadbare comforter, one hand gripping his stuffed dragon, his lips parted as he dreamed.
He stirred as I began packing. “Mommy?”
I knelt beside him. “Hey, sweetheart. I’m just getting our things ready. We’re going on another adventure, remember?”
He nodded sleepily, still half in a dream. “Will there be pancakes?”
My throat tightened. “Maybe,” I said gently. “If we find the right place.”
He smi
