Winnie had been with the Tucks two weeks. The first week was filled with excitement. The second was filled with silence. At meals, the only sounds were silverware on plates and Jesse's attempts at conversation.

Meg, who before had been outspoken, was now quiet and withdrawn. Miles was practically nonexistent. He was struggling with something.

One night, Miles finished his chores early and left. Winnie was helping Meg wash the dishes and saw Meg look up. She also saw the pained expression.

"Meg, what's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Megan, something is wrong. And it has something to do with Miles. Am I right?"

"Maybe."

"Stop it Meg! It doesn't help that you keep hiding! Do something about it!"

Meg stopped washing dishes. She was glad no one else was in the house, because she yelled, "What would you know? You're fifteen! You know nothing of broken hearts or pain. You felt trapped in your perfect little life! That's better than being trapped in a life with nothing to hope for! Go back to your perfect love and leave me to mine!" Meg stormed out and felt the cold air envelop her.

She ran, as fast and as far as she could, until she collapsed. She cried, her tears forming a little river. Finally, she stood up and looked around. She had no idea where she was. She wandered for awhile, wondering where she was. When she thought she couldn't walk anymore, she stumbled upon a house. The edges were charred, but overall it was intact. She followed her feet into the building.

Miles was in there, fast asleep. When she saw him, she made up her mind. She was about to go, but something in his hand caught her eye, and her curiosity got the best of her.

She walked toward Miles quietly. She flinched as a board creaked beneath her foot. Her breath caught in her throat. She didn't know why she didn't want to wake him, she just knew she didn't.

Time seemed to slow as she watched the chain fall from Miles's hand. On it was a small silver ring. It served two purposes. The first was to let her know where she was. This old house had been the one Miles had built for his bride so many years before. She turned to go, but then the ring served it's other purpose.

It hit the floor with a thud, startling Miles into wakefulness. Seeing Meg, he immediately asked, "What are you doing here?"

"I was just leaving," she replied, suddenly defensive.

"That doesn't answer my question. What are you doing here?"

"I didn't know where I was until just now."

Something resembling worry crossed his face. "How do you know now?"

She nodded toward the chain that was again in his hand.

"So you did hear the whole thing." She nodded mutely. "Alright," he said, lifting himself off the floor. "Why are you so far out?"

This was a sensitive subject for Meg. Her eyes flashed lightning as she said, "That's none of your business."

Miles didn't seem to catch on just yet. "Being as this is my house, that makes it my business."

"Fine," she snapped. "I had an argument with Winnie and had to get out of the house. I was running and just ended up here. Any other questions?"

Miles finally picked up the argument. This would have intimidated some people, but Meg was ready. As he took each measured step toward her, she just glared right back at him.

"What were you arguing about?"

Meg didn't expect the question, but didn't let it show. "Life in general. Are you done yet? I would really like to leave."

"Just one more question." His voice had a smug quality to it, as if he thought he had an ace up his sleeve.

"And what's that?"

Miles looked down for a moment. When he looked up again, his face was softer. "Would you wear this for me?" He handed her the ring and chain.

She stared in surprise at the ring. What did it mean? What was he saying? Did it mean he loved her? Was he proposing? What was going on? Before she had a chance to say anything, he was gone, lost among the trees.