“A cold wind rose, biting through my jacket, and I shivered. Big Ma looked down at me for the first time. “You cold?”
“N-no, ma’am,” I stuttered, not ready to leave the forest.
“Don’t you be lyin’ to me girl!” she snapped, putting out her hand. “It’s time we was goin’ back to the house anyways. Your mama’ll be home soon.”
I took her hand, and together we left the Caroline.”