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She shrugs. “We bought some off some travelers,” she says. “But I had to pay a pretty penny for it.”
“What did you trade?”
“My horse.” She starts to tear up again, but quickly flicks the salty trail from her cheek. “That’s beside the point.”
“Not really,” I say. “Reyes wouldn’t have asked you to do that.”
She bites her lip. “Keep going.”
“Well,” I continue, “I started their garden, and I got to know him, and the bite had an effect, but honestly…I fell in love with him, Enid. Not him as some monster that worked his magic on me, but him as aperson. He’s kind, and smart, and…and funny, believe it or not. Optimistic, and such a romantic that he makes my knees weak.”
I look up at her, trying to show her just how much conviction I have to get back to him.
“We saw something in each other that was worth fighting for,” I say. “It was his idea to come here, because I couldn’t stand the thought of losing you. Bet he regrets that now.”
“You talk about him like he’s alive,” she says.
“That’s because he is,” I say. “I’m sure he is. I can feel him.”
Enid sighs, shaking her head. “You sound crazy, Tilda.”
“Maybe it’s because I am, a little bit,” I say. “But not because of Reyes. It’s becauseyoulet me get locked up in here for six straight days.”
I glare at her, crossing my arms over my chest and lifting my chin. Enid hunches her shoulders and chews on her lip, worrying at it until it bleeds.
“I don’t like that you’re in here,” she says.
“Then get me out.”
She takes a deep breath, closing her eyes. “I can’t.”
“All you have to do is open the door,” I say. “I’ll take care of the rest.”
“But you’ll leave me,” she whispers.
Her eyes well with tears, shining in the red light through the window. The moon is rising, dusk settling over the big Texas sky. She’s eighteen now; she can take care of herself, and I know that. There are people there who need me.
I stand up and walk toward her, taking her hands in mine. She’s as tall as I am, but reedy and fragile—not nearly as strong. She’ll get there with time. I have to believe that.
“Enid,” I say steadily. “I was sixteen when you were born. And then our parents were gone, and I was basically your mama. I’ve given my whole life to you, little sister. Can you give me this?”
She swallows hard, strengthening her resolve. I don’t know if that resolution is to double down and force me to stay, or to set me free. Enid grasps my hands tightly, then gazes up at me.
“You really love him?” she asks.
“With everything I am,” I whisper.
“Okay,” she says. She takes one hand from me and swipes at her eyes, sniffling loudly. “Okay. I’m going to…I just have to take care of the guard.”
Before she can pull away, I fling my arms around her neck and pull her into a tight hug. My little sister—mystrong and bravelittle sister—sobs against my shoulder, and we just stand there for an infinite minute as we enjoy this moment together.
I believe it won’t be the last.
We pull away slowly, Enid sniffling loudly. At least she’ll be able to make it seem like we were fighting. “We should give it until nightfall, and then I’ll open the door for ya,” she says. “I’m going to clear a path toward the gate. You think you can slip out?”
“There’s a gap in the fence just south of the main gate,” I say. “Might want to get that patched up, actually. Wouldn’t want any wolves creeping in.”
She scowls, but I just laugh.
