-c- 2008 Mcgraw-hill Ryerson Limited -

The compass never wavered. It pointed northeast, always northeast, even when they crossed a bog that sucked at his boots, even when a sudden hailstorm forced him to huddle under his tent for six hours.

For now, he helped his grandfather inside, made tea, and listened to the old man breathe. One rattling breath at a time. One small, ordinary miracle after another. -C- 2008 mcgraw-hill ryerson limited

“You threw it away,” August said. No anger. Just tired relief. The compass never wavered

The next morning, August died in his sleep. Elias found him with a smile on his face, one hand reaching toward the nightstand where the compass used to sit. One rattling breath at a time

Elias looked at the compass. The needle no longer pointed northeast. It spun wildly, then stopped—pointing directly at the woman.

“That’s not a compass,” Delilah said, frowning. “That’s a burden.”