119|A Whole New Monster

Photography was the last thing Levi would have picked for Natalie. She had the gentleness of a teacher and the temperament of a moody painter or a writer.

"You look surprised," she carried on.

"Tell me more." He could sit like this and listen to her talk forever. And he did, for a little while as she opened up to him about her missed chances and the photography dream she had to put on hold.

"Why did you have to put it on hold?"

"Mom had just died, and Jamie's diabetes had begun to complicate. With very little money, we had to focus on immediate concerns like getting him medical help. And well, Amber was right—God, I hate that my older sister is always right— but yeah, photography was an expensive dream, one we couldn't afford at that time."

"Would you do it if given a chance?" He asked, stroking her cheek.

"No," Natalie shook her head. "Maybe as a hobby. But over the past few weeks, after the stuff with Paul, I've realised I want to help people. After we find Jewel, I think I'll volun