Sisters

A friend is someone we turn to

when our spirits need a lift.

A friend is someone we treasure

for our friendship is a gift.

A friend is someone who fills our lives

with beauty, joy, and grace.

And makes the whole world we live in

a better and happier place.

Jean Kyler McManus

Moving again, the wheels were turning as I sat on the back of the wagon, my feet were dangling over the steps and Lei sat beside me, her skirt yanked over her knees, her little fists trying to covering the ugly bruise on her calf. I was tying a yellow ribbon in her dark hair, a little bow atop her ponytail, when I finished I tugged it a little.

"Did Also like the cake?" Lei shrugged. "He ate it." She swatted my hand away from her hair and I smiled, leaning over to kiss her forehead before she curled up against my side and we watched the wagons behind us, the men riding along side.

"Also is a good boy." Lei suddenly spoke up. "Yes, there are worse boys." I found myself mimicking Fonce but.. Lei did not answer as I had... "But there might not be better boys" She said. Lei was a clever little cookie, I envied the clearness of her thoughts. I hoped she would not lose her easy way of simplifying life as she grew. I thought she might be happier for it.

"His mama is nice too. She doesn't shoo me away." Lei told me and I glanced around to see if I could spot Cana among the riders. her presence tended to bring me a smile. She was like a ray of sunshine muted though a gauzy curtain. Not as shiny bright as strong as she could be, but softer and more gentle. I was sure though that if you yanked away that curtain you would feel the full force of the rays on your face.

I smiled. "Yes, his mama is nice too." I had wondered many times about Cana and how hard her road must be. Women would be distrustful of her, and jealous. Vindictive people would always be waiting for a crack to appear for them to exploit. The idea bothered because Cana might sometimes be too nice to see the harm others were trying to inflict. I genuinely liked Cana, without reservation or motive. And I liked her children, especially Also.. whom Lei had taken a subtle shine too.

"When we stop tonight, should we pay them a visit?" I asked her, looking back down at my daughter with a small soft smile. She grinned, her cheeks turned to apples when she did.

"I'd like that very much."