***

Early the next morning, Uncle Victor and I left his little house in the woods. He hadn't come with luggage since he'd only planned to spend the weekend. He had only a backpack.

Once he'd locked the house, he turned to me.

"Carry this on your back." he said, handing over the backpack. I took it in confusion. He wanted me to carry it when I was the one with wounded feet and a bad knee? Without a word, I hung the bag on my back.

Then, he squatted to my surprise.

"Get on my back. We won't be able to leave these woods fast if you walk with...