Nine-year-old Danielle "Dani" Heart runs through the woods away from her old foster family in Iowa. She is the younger sister of Georgie Heart, who is eleven. Arriving to the cave which is her hiding place, Dani sits down in the corner and starts to cry.
She and Georgie were split up when she was five and Georgie was seven. Dani barely remembers Georgie. She just remembers her appearance and her laugh.
Starting to get dizzy, Dani's stomach growls, signalling she is hungry. Since it is too dark to keep moving, Dani removes her bag and pulls out her sandwich. She has been running for hours in the woods, staying close to the road but far enough away to stay hidden.
Finishing her sandwich and a bottle of water, Dani zips up her bag and rests her head on it, slowly falling asleep.
The next morning, as the sun rises, Dani awakes to the sky changing from night to sunrise. Slowly rubbing her eyes, Dani yawns and slips her bag on before starting to move again. Arriving to the road, Dani climbs up onto it and begins to walk. Putting up the hood of her winter coat, Dani is happy that the road is pretty much deserted. She has run away days ago and never been found.
It is the end of the first week she has been missing. Hearing a car, Dani looks over her shoulder before running. Nearing the cliff, Dani carefully makes her way down in fear. Hearing the car stop, Dani climbs down faster. At the bottom, Dani hurries forward not realising it is ice. Carefully making her way onto it, Dani stops hearing the ground crack. Widening her eyes, Dani knows she can't turn back but…
Crack! Letting out a small scream, the ice cracks from under her. Luckily her bag stops her from going all of the way in.
"Hang on!" Dani hears someone call from behind her. Trying to pull herself out, Dani is unsuccessful. Starting to panic, Dani struggles. Feeling her slip more and more into the water, she works harder to get out. Hanging onto the ice, Dani falls under the water. Because of the current, Dani gets pulled but her grip on the edge of the ice is tight.
Trying to pull herself back to the opening, her grip slips but someone grabs her wrist in time. Helping the person to get her out, Dani reaches the surface, gasping for air and shaking rapidly.
"Let's get you to the car to get warm." The man speaks. Looking at her savour, the man smiles sadly at her, "May I carry you?" Too cold to get to her feet, the man lifts her up and into his arms.
Reaching the shore carefully, a girl stands with the car above them.
"Get on my back." Doing what he says, the man quickly climbs up with skill. Reaching the top not even ten minutes later, the girl helps Dani and the man onto solid ground.
"Are you okay?" The girl asks grabbing a blanket after removing her coat and sweater, "Kid, we need you to remove your wet clothes." Looking at them in shock, Dani shakes her head, "Kid, if you don't want to get sick, you have to."
Slowly unzipping her coat after removing her bag, Dani eyes the guy worried.
"Ty, look to see if she has any dry clothes in her bag." The girl speaks handing the Ty guy Dani's bag.
"Okay." Ty nods before walking to the other side of the truck with his back to them. Removing her shirt the girl helps Dani dress, "All wet." Ty informs them keeping his back to them.
Helping Dani into her coat, she zips it up before getting Dani remove her pants and boots.
"Why are you helping me?" Dani's teeth chatter.
"We want to." The girl answers slipping the wet clothes into the backseat of the truck, "You are sitting in the front with us." Getting Dani to climb into the front, the girl angles the heaters to Dani to warm her.
Closing the door, the girl covers Dani's lap with the blanket.
"Come on in, Ty." She calls. Separating the wet clothes out of the bag into the backseat. Climbing in, Ty buckles up and the girl helps Dani before doing up herself. Closing the door, Ty looks at Dani.
"Where are you going, Kid?" Ty asks. Shrugging her shoulders, Dani looks down at her lap, "Do you have a family?"
"They don't want me." Dani admits in a stutter.
"How old are you?" The girl asks.
"Nine."
"May we know your name?"
"Danielle."
"I'm Amy." Amy smiles getting Dani to look at her, "Danielle, are you okay?"
"What do you mean?"
"I saw those bruises. Were you being abused?" Watching Dani nod, Amy sighs looking to Ty.
"I think we should go to the police to report the family." Ty frowns.
"No!" Dani gasps looking at him in fear.
"What's wrong?"
"I," Dani starts before starting to cry.
"Danielle," Amy pulls her into a hug, "We are trying to help."
"I want my sister." Dani whispers.
"Where is she?" Ty asks gently.
"I don't know." Dani sighs through her nose.
"Have you ever been to Canada?"
"No."
"Well, we are going to change that." Ty decides.
"We will stop at Walmart to get you some clothes." Amy smiles sadly.
"I don't have to go back?" Dani asks shyly with a little bit of hope in her eyes.
"We won't make you. But I think we should go back to get your things."
"They'll hurt you." Dani whimpers as tears fill her brown eyes. Her light brown hair is dark from the water.
"Would you like us to call the police and meet them there?"
"It won't make a difference." Dani sighs as a tear falls before more follow. Holding Dani to her, Amy strokes Dani's hair.
"We can take care of ourselves. May we try?"
"Okay." Dani whispers.
Giving Ty the directions to her foster parents' house, they drive down the driveway. Dani is terrified, but feels oddly comfortable in Amy's arms.
"Everything will be okay." Amy whispers before kissing Dani's damp hair. Parking the truck, Ty turns to Dani.
"Ready?" Ty asks gently taking Dani's hand.
"No. But it has to be done." Dani answers softly.
"We'll protect you, Danielle." Climbing out of the truck, Ty gently lifts Dani out as Amy climbs out the other side. Locking up the truck, the Canadian couple head to the door. Knocking on the door, they hear running feet and screaming inside. Hearing the door open a tall muscular man stands in front of them.
"Yes?" The man asks in a furious tone, making Dani flinch and hides her face holding onto Ty tightly.
"We are here to pick up Danielle's things." Amy states, "May we come in and get them please?"
"Who are you?" The man looks Amy up and down, checking her out.
"None of your business." Ty answers.
"So you found Danielle. Good job. She's a runaway and always returns."
"I'm leaving. For good." Dani mutters into Ty's shoulder.
"What did you say, Danielle?" The man snaps making Dani jump and start to cry in fear.
"Leave her alone." Ty clenches his teeth.
"We are going to come in and get her things." Amy tries again.
"Whatever. Take the waste of space." Narrowing their eyes, Amy and Ty walk in. Seeing the filth, dust and smoke, it's hard to breathe and live in this house. The house is small and there are three other children, all older than Dani. Setting Dani on the ground, Ty holds Dani to him in case the man does something.
"Let's get your things." Amy whispers to Dani, gently taking her hand. Leading Amy and Ty up to her room, she shares with the other foster children; Dani immediately opens the door of the attic.
Grabbing her other clothes, Dani stuffs them into her other backpack for school. She doesn't have a lot. Picking up the jogging pants, Dani slips them on along with socks and running shoes. Looking at Ty embarrassed Ty smiles.
"I'll be in the hall." Ty gently kisses Amy's cheek before kissing Dani's forehead. Closing the door behind him, Amy turns to Dani who is slipping on her own shirt and sweater. Passing Amy her sweater and coat, the older girl smiles and slips them back on.
Slipping her stuff lion into the bag along with a picture, Dani zips up the bag and slips it onto her back.
"Is that everything?" Amy asks. Nodding, Amy wraps her left arm around Dani's shoulders. Opening the door, Amy spots Ty leaning against the wall playing on his phone.
"Ready?" Ty asks looking at them.
"Yep." Amy nods. Each taking Dani's hands, they head down the stairs. Leaving the house, Dani releases the breath she didn't know she was holding in. Removing her bag, Amy gently takes it and slips it into the back. Climbing into the truck, Ty buckles up and starts to back out of the driveway.
"Where was your foster mom?" Ty asks as they drive down the road.
"Work probably." Dani answers softly.
"What is her name? Do you know?"
"Ashley. The guy was Jackson, her boyfriend."
"What is Ashley's last name?"
"I don't know." Dani frowns deeply.
"So, Danielle. What do you like to do on car trips?" Amy wonders as they fall into a sad silence.
"I don't know. Never had one." Nodding, Amy thinks of an activity, "Where are we going?"
"Alberta."
"West coast?" Dani asks in surprise.
"Yep." Ty laughs softly, "Do you like horses?"
"Never seen one up close or in general, but I know pictures and from TV." Dani blushes embarrassed.
"So you're a city girl?" Amy jumps in.
"Small town. Pretty sad really." Yawning, Amy feels Dani's forehead to find her temperature normal.
"How are you feeling?"
"Tired." Dani admits.
"Come here." Cuddling up to Amy, Dani closes her eyes. Taking a quick looking at Amy and Dani, Ty smiles. Gently taking Amy's hand, Ty kisses the back of it. Letting it go to drive, Amy smiles holding the nine-year-old close.
That evening, stopping to check into a motel, Ty parks the truck as Amy gently wakes Dani. Once the young girl is awake, Dani is too shaky to walk, so Ty gives her a piggy back ride as Amy checks them in and get the keys to their room. Carrying Dani's bag to their room, Amy unlocks the door allowing Ty to take Dani in. Setting Dani on the bed as Amy puts Dani's bag on the other bed, Ty and Amy head out to get their things. Starting to fall asleep again, Dani lays down with her eyes closed.
"Danielle?" Amy whispers stroking Dani's hair a few minutes later.
"Hmm?" Dani hums slowly rubbing her eyes to wake up.
"Go have a hot shower, Sweetie. Ty will head out to get some food for dinner." Nodding softly, Dani sits up slowly. Shivering, Dani looks around the room to see her surroundings, "I'll bring your things in."
"Okay." Getting up, Dani heads into the washroom. Turning on the shower, Dani feels the water as it warms up. Seeing Amy bring her bag in, Amy smiles at her before kissing her cheek.
"You're safe now." Amy speaks gently.
"Thank you." Dani whispers giving Amy a hug.
"Anything for you, Sweetie." Amy smiles hugging Dani back.
After her shower, Dani dresses before leaving the washroom to find Ty back and he and Amy are sitting at the little table with the food on it. Joining them, Dani sits down with her hands in her lap, nervous.
"Dig in, Danielle." Ty smiles passing Dani a sandwich, a bottle of orange juice and a bag of chips, "I hope you like peanut butter and honey."
"It's my favourite." Dani admits before opening her sandwich bag.
"Good." Ty chuckles, "That's what all of us are having. I got everyone the same thing." Smiling back, Dani takes a bite. Once they are finished eating, Dani drinks some orange juice before moving onto the regular chips. Watching Ty move to the bed, he lays down in his still damp jeans and sweater.
"Ty, you should have a shower." Amy speaks up, "I'll be following after."
"You can go first." Ty smiles from the bed.
"Okay." Gathering her pyjamas, Amy heads into the bathroom. Finishing her food, Dani finishes off her drink before throwing their garbage away.
"So Danielle, tell me about yourself." Ty looks at Dani. Sitting on the other bed, Dani bites her lip.
"What would you like to know?" Dani counters nervously.
"I know your name and age, what is your favourite colour?"
"Brown."
"Favourite food?"
"Pizza and chicken."
"Favourite current movie?" Dani shrugs her shoulders.
"I don't have one."
"Favourite subject in school?"
"English. What about you?"
"My favorite colour is blue. Food would be lasagna, current movie would be Star Wars."
"Never seen." Dani admits in a whisper.
"Really? Well, when we reach home, we will change that if you would like?"
"Okay." Sitting up, Ty moves so he is next to her on the bed.
"May I hug you?" Nodding softly, Ty pulls Dani into a hug, "You are so brave, Danielle." Kissing her hair, Ty decides to tease her. Tickling her gently, Dani lets out a soft squeal.
Catching his hand, Ty lets her hold it before tickling her with the other. Laughing, Ty grins hearing Dani's laughter. Stopping to let her catch her breath, Ty kisses her forehead.
"Are you and Amy together?" Dani asks quietly.
"Yes. We are actually engaged."
"Good."
"Why good?" Ty winks making Dani smile.
"You two look good together." Dani shrugs her shoulders.
"Thank you." Ty thanks before going back to tickling her.
Hearing the laughter as she walks out of the washroom, Amy chuckles finding Dani on her back with Ty hovering above her, tickling her carefully.
"Help!" Dani laughs seeing Amy, "Please!"
"Ty," Hearing Amy's voice, Ty smirks before stopping and getting up, "Don't you dare!" Amy gasps with a smile on her face before laughing as Ty tickles her. Smiling on, watching the couple, Dani giggles.