“Astrid! It’s two in the morning.” “I know, I’m sorry. I just…had to call.” “Are you all right?” “No.” I was covered in mud and blood, and Grace was getting stitches in her forehead by Gordian technicians in the room next door. “I want to come home.” There was a long silence on the line. “Mom, are you there?” “I’m here, Astrid. I’m just trying to understand. You’re not fighting with the other girls, are you?” “No.” “And they are treating you well?” “Yes.” They weren’t beating me, or anything. “Then what’s bringing this little episode on?” “It’s the hunting, Mom. I don’t like it.” “Have you been hurt?” “No. I’m maybe the only one who wasn’t.”
