“I’m sorry, honey. I should have prepared a present for you.”

“It’s okay. I know you don't have time to think about gifts because of this escape plan.”

“That’s right. Brian and I have been planning this escape for days. I admit it was stressful.”

Travis stroked my cheek gently with his free hand. His gaze conveyed the regret he usually had when he forgot about my birthday, but it was only a momentary regret. In the years to come he would still forget my birthday.

“I promise ...