The breath of the earth flew across the land and shook the last leaves from the trees. Candra wrapped her shawl around herself tighter as she traveled along the path to meet Ize.
His most recent letter seemed frantic, almost. It would be good to see him, to hold him for at least a moment. She had not seen him in three full moons.
Perhaps his mother’s health was in a less stable condition. Perhaps that was the reason he so desperately needed to see her—not that they could easily stand to be so far away from each other and for so long—but they both had their own responsibilities. They had to take care of others. They planned, secretly, their lives in advance. Ize loved his mother with all his heart and she had welcomed Candra into her home so sweetly and openly. She gave Candra clothes to wear. Candra glanced down at the shawl.
This is Alma’s, isn’t it?
She tugged it even tighter around her.
What a night that was.
How horrible that night seemed then and, yet, she thought about it now and laughed.