Adrift

We crossed the flooded valley some days ago, or yesterday, or maybe this morning. Time has run together for me, like colored wax crayons melted in the hot sun. I hardly know night from day anymore. Lei is not well, not at all. Magda has been with us mostly, but now and then even she must leave us to sleep and it is just as well. There is little anyone can do for her.

Fonce had come by to tell me what was going on and I must have looked perfectly bewildered because he just grunted and took care of the wagon. He asked about Lei and I assured him she would be fine. but I know my face reveals my lies. I am worried about her, about the move, worried about clean clothes and food and water and I worry about Fonce and I worry about me and I worry about Cana and I worry about the cocoon in a glass jar beside my daughters flushed face. Fonce does what he can to take away my worries, between him and Trayus friends and even Serge we were able to cross with the others. I will never be able to thank him enough. What do you give the man who has everything?

Lei slept while we floated and I snuck to the back of the wagon, I wanted to see the water, touch the water.. I wanted to be the water.. Strong enough to carry us all and soft enough to slip though your fingers. Magda fixed a broth like soup for my daughter and as we reached somewhat dry lands again I crawled back inside to sit my daughter up against me, a cool damp cloth was gently pressed to her forehead, another to the back of her neck and I tipped the bowl to her lips as I sang to her softly...

Golden slumber kiss your eyes,
Smiles await you when you rise.
Sleep,
pretty baby,
Do not cry,
And I'll sing you a lullaby.

Care you know not,
Therefore sleep,
While I o'er you watch do keep.
Sleep,
pretty darling,
Do not cry,
And I will sing a lullaby.

Gently I rocked her back to sleep before I joined her there.