Hailee's POV
Outside, the car waited. I helped Oscar climb in. He sat very straight with his bag on his lap. I slid in next to him, and the guards took the front and the other back seat. The car rolled out and picked up speed.
The city moved past the windows: market stalls just opening, a man sweeping his step, a girl pulling a little cart with bread, a dog sleeping under a table, a woman hanging cloth out to dry even though the air was crisp. The sun was low and gold, the sky pale and clear. People did not stop to stare. The car looked like any other. That was the point.
I looked at Oscar. "Nervous?" I asked.
He twisted the strap of his bag. "A little," he said. Then he looked up. "But happy too."
"What would you like to say first when you see him?" I asked.
He thought. "Hi, Dad," he said quietly, testing how it felt in his mouth. "Hi, Dad. I missed you."
"That sounds good," I said, and my throat went tight again.
He peered at me. "Are you okay, Mom?"
