tree, Wade, the rope, the hollow, the men, the road, and the biker who had known Grandpa Samuel.
Claire listened without sitting down.
When Elsie finished, the kitchen was completely quiet.
Finally, Claire pressed one hand over her mouth.
“You untied a grown man from a tree by yourself?”
“Yes.”
“At eight years old?”
“Almost nine,” Elsie said again.
Claire’s eyes filled, but her voice held steady.
“I am angry because you were in danger. I am grateful because you helped someone. And I am proud in a way I
