For the Soul

Magda woke me late in the afternoon. I had been keeping funny hours while I cared for my daughter, sleeping only when she found rest. I trusted that between Fonce and Magda all the 'things' that needed to get done would be seen too.

"The Ubara came to see you." Magda's voice was raspy, as if she had spent a lifetime smoking something strong and thick. She cleared her throat a lot and tonight her leathery cheeks were round with her smile. I sat up carefully, Lei barely stirred beside me and I could not help but return Magdas smile as I lifted my hand to try and smooth back my hair from my face. I knew I looked a fright.

"Did she seem well?" I asked quickly. I had heard the Ubar had left but the details were fuzzy. The detials did not matter though, what would matter was that Cana, my friend was alone now. I was concerned for her and her smile. A woman's smile is very important.

"She had the boy with her." Magda chose not to answer me which was all the answer I needed. I could picture Cana's forced smile, an empty glaze of loneliness behind the sheen. I sighed and wished I had been awake to receive her. "She brought you a basket. And the flowers, from the boy." Magda continued.

I admit, I like to be thought of. Doesn't everyone? It warmed my heart to know Cana thought of us right now, my own smile flourished as I quickly opened the basket. I pushed back the fur and revealed my slender, toned thighs, dark with color and shamelessly exposed under the brown tunic I slept in. Magda swatted my thigh and called me a name too smutty to repeat. I laughed though. "Modesty in my own home is as impractical as immodesty among the fires. You should try it Magda, shimmy your skirt right off your hips and .." I did not get to finish as Magda swatted me again, her faded cheeks had gone pink but she was smiling.

I opened the basket and exclaimed as I found the broth, it was still warm, along with the little empanadas and honey cakes and tea! "Oh bless that woman." I sighed and Magda smiled as she helped me unpack the items. Around them Lei stirred and tried to sit up, but she was too weak and tired, her face still flush with her fever. I have to admit I am getting scared.. How long can a child have so much heat before they just burn up into ash? Fevers could take away a childs site, or their speech.. I had heard healers in the walled city could fix such things but what did that matter to me? I pulled a cool cloth from a stone jar of clean water and laid it on her forehead. "Shh, don’t speak." I wanted her to save her energy. Magda joined us with the small pot of flowers and set them beside Lei.. my daughter seemed to light up a little. "Also." She said. It would be several days before I realized I had never told her who gave them to her, she just knew. They sat beside the cocoon in a it's glass jar.. My daughter’s private garden.

She just knew.