“We’re a long way from home, Eleanor,” Brenda added, her voice like ice. “About 490 kilometers, give or take.”

The number hit me like a physical blow. This wasn’t a joke. Tears pricked at my eyes, blurring the harsh landscape. “But why?” My voice was a whisper. “What did I do?”

Khloe opened her door, and the hot, dry air rushed in like a predator. “It doesn’t matter what you did, Eleanor. It’s what we’re doing. We’re done. We’re done with you.” She looked at Brenda, a strange, triumphant glint in her eyes. Then they both looked back at me, their faces twisted into masks of cruel amusement.

“Figure it out, mother-in-law,” Khloe spat, a harsh laugh escaping her lips.

“Yeah,” Brenda echoed, her voice a mocking blade. “Figure it out.”