They recognized the roar of engines as Roland joined them, smiling, arms loaded with many bags.
“It’s them!” Erma shouted. “Quick!”
They ran towards the nearest trees. Erma pulled her brother by the sleeve of his shirt. Roland led the way.”
“I found plenty of food,” he exclaimed, as he went.
“Later!”
None of them dared to turn to see if they were being followed. The girl only paused for about twenty seconds, when she heard Scram’s yelps at her heel and she dropped to her knees to stroke him. But Roland begged her to leave and save these hugs for later.
They went where the woods were the densest. Their flight lasted an hour. When Erma thought they were safe, out of breath, their forehead glistening with sweat, they settled in a semicircle behind an immense oak tree. A silence settled
