Behind the living room door, Maggie and Tonia heard a smattering of voices as Maggie’s family chattered over the sound of the television.

Maggie’s hand hovered over the handle.

She pulled it back.

She grabbed some keys from the decorative key hook, being careful not to let them jangle, then she opened a small cupboard and took out two helmets and handed one to Tonia.

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The two girls slipped out through the front door.

“Are you okay?” Tonia asked as Maggie fumbled for the moped key. The street was alive with the bustle of a neighbourhood in distress.

“Yeah,” Maggie replied quietly.

“It’s all right, you don’t have to come.”

Maggie looked at her. “You’re still going, though, if I don’t go with you?”

Tonia nodded.

“I can’t let you travel through this by yourself,” said Maggie. “I’m sure it’ll be fine; we’ll just head straight to the hospital, and then we’ll wait with Annora until this is over. It’s all going to be fine. Isn’t it?”

“I hope so,” said Tonia.

Maggie put the key into the ignition.

“Let’s get out of here quickly before my parents notice we’re gone.”