I stayed at the Carlsons' for a week and a half while I worked out my plan.

Late one night, I got my things and left the house.

Dear Selma, Adolph, Gary, Eugene, and Anne,

Thank you for all your kindness in letting me stay here. Please don't worry about me--I know where I'm going.

Love,

Jaclyn

I slipped out into the night and walked along the road until I got to the Tulchoekes.

"Ophelia!" I hissed through the screen door. Even though it was late at night, Ophelia was still up and washing dishes.

"Jaclyn!" she replied. She flung open the door and motioned for me to come inside.

"I can't," I whispered. "I need to get to the airport in Wilkton."

"Just give me a minute and I'll take you."

"Oh--Ophelia, you don't have to do that," I said. "I just need a car. Any kind."

"You can take Vern's old pickup," Ophelia said. "LaRae could pick it up in the morning." She tossed me the keys.

"Won't he mind?" I asked.

Ophelia grinned. "Of course he will. Just go." She gave me a push.

"Thank you!" I called as the screen door slammed shut.

I got in the pickup and turned the key. It started (barely), and I was off.

My mind drifted back over the past thirteen days...

Late at night, I'd called the airport.

"Hello," a voice yawned.

"I'd like a flight to Korea. Kimpo Air Base," I said. "Jaclyn Wa--Pierce. Jaclyn Pierce."

Another yawn. "We can get you in on the thirtieth at one-thirty A.M.."

"Sure," I agreed.

A deer leaped out in front of me, and I was brought back to the present.

XXX

I arrived at the airport in record time, left the pickup, and went to board.

"I'm sorry, ma'am," said the woman at the gate. "You aren't booked for this flight."

"Yes I am," I said. "Jaclyn Pierce. I called you on the seventeenth."

"I'm not finding you," the woman responded. "Wait--yes, Jaclyn Pierce. I'm sorry."

As I boarded, my heart rate returned to normal.

XXX

I slept for the whole flight and didn't get up until a man stepped on my foot.

"Korea!" I breathed with excitement.

I shook my head. This was all such a contradiction--a year ago I would have never gone to Korea ONCE. Now I was going for my second round.