Ten days disappeared faster than they had any right to. I blamed paperwork.
By the time departure morning arrived, Sanctuary had developed an entire system for saying goodbye without admitting that was what anyone was doing. Cedric checked my medical kit twice, and Lena checked it again after him.
Roland tried to sell me travel snacks at a discount that sounded less convincing every time he explained it. Mira informed me that the third carriage waiting at the western gate had an uneven wheel. I asked how she could possibly know that from the residence. She said she could hear it, and I decided not to ask anything else.
Penelope stood near the entrance with a folded sheet in one hand.
"No," I said.
"You haven't seen it."
"It's paper."
"It's your travel list."
"I already packed."
"I know."
"Then why does the list still exist?"
"Because you packed."
