James huddled close to his mother in the dark barn. He could hear horses outside and men's voices. His heart hammered in his chest. They had been running for three nights now, traveling north toward freedom. Mama put her finger to her lips, signaling him to stay absolutely silent.
The footsteps passed by. After what felt like hours, the barn door creaked open slowly. James held his breath. A bearded man in farmer's clothes stepped inside carrying a lantern. "Don't be afraid," he whispered. "My name is Mr. Brown. You're safe here. Those men are gone now."
Mr. Brown brought them bread, cheese, and cold water from his well. James was so hungry he ate every crumb. "You'll need to rest today and stay hidden," Mr. Brown explained to Mama. "When darkness falls tonight, you'll continue north. There's another safe house about ten miles from here. Friends who will help you."
All day, James and his mother waited in the barn's hayloft. James tried to sleep, but he kept thinking about his grandmother, who they'd had to leave behind. Would he ever see her again? Mama seemed to read his thoughts. She pulled him close. "We're doing this so you can be free, James. So you can learn to read and write. So you can choose your own path in life."
As the sun set, Mr. Brown returned. He pointed toward the darkening sky where one bright star was appearing. "That's the North Star," he said. "Polaris. It always points north. As long as you can see that star, you'll know which way to go. Follow it until you reach the next farm—the one with the red barn and the white fence. Knock three times, then twice, then once. They'll know you're friends."
James took his mother's hand as they stepped out into the night. The North Star twinkled above them like a promise. The journey was dangerous and scary, but James felt braver knowing that kind people like Mr. Brown were helping them. He looked up at that faithful star and walked forward into his future.