part 3

The problem with running off to the big city to fulfill some kind of random destiny, Hazel thought, was having to explain it to your aunt and uncle, who didn't want you to go because they didn't believe most of what your teacher said, and then having to explain it to your sweetheart, who didn't want you to go because he just didn't want you to go.

"What if something happens to you?" he asked her.

"Like what?"

"Like I don't know. The city is full of crazy people. You could be kidnapped. Murdered. Sold into slavery."

( You have got to be kidding me. People don't sell women into slavery any more, not around here. )

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total words: 5164

part 4

Hay took Hazel's word that she could look after herself, and left her alone about her trip and Marcus' ideas about her destiny. She spent the day before she left reassuring her aunt that she would come home, reassuring her uncle that she'd come home without a city boy in tow, and reassuring her dog that he could come with her. She knew if dogs could talk, Toast would be telling her he had no desire to stay behind with her aunt who didn't believe dogs should be allowed to sleep inside the house.

( Hazel packed some clothes and a blanket and made sure her raincloak was still waterproof. )

words: 2190
total words: 7354