Finally, the trees opened to reveal an old, abandoned structure half-hidden by brush. The door hung crooked. Windows shattered.
Max dropped the jacket at my feet and barked once, then stared at the door.
My hands trembled as I pushed it open.
Inside were signs of life—an old mattress, blankets, a makeshift table, empty containers.
And then I saw him.
Sitting against the wall. Thinner. Hair longer, streaked with gray. His face lined with confusion and exhaustion.
“Ethan?” I whispered.
