The boy should have known from Mary's murmurs. He grew used to the sound-like the wind whistling. She had him by the hand with her long dress bunched in her fingers. At any moment she might throw the wide dress hem over his shoulders, keep him warm. It was springtime, but it was coldtime. It was damptime. All this she would whisper in the air, knowing the sound of her would comfort him. He caught the whispers in his ears.

They walked steadily. He kept his eyes closed at first. But then he would trip and fall to his knees, pulling her down with him. She'd jerk him up. Don't resist. Don't be afraid, came in his ears. Keep your eyes open. You can see in the dark if you look. Feel with your feet and eyes. Keep in time with my feet, as close as you can get to me without stepping on them. Stay close and don't clomp! Stay quiet so we can get gone. We are running. We are going. To Maud Free.