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Arthur’s school held their graduation ceremonies yesterday, the official end of the school year. Today Harrington suggested that he and Arthur go out to lunch to celebrate, just the two of them. Arthur’s immediate reaction was suspicion.  He believed his father was going to scold him for something—perhaps for what he said when they argued two weeks ago.  Up until now, Harrington has behaved as if the argument never happened, but he has not forgotten, and neither has Arthur.  Still,…

Since Kayla and her mother will be leaving this weekend, she has been spending the past few days saying goodbye to her friends.  Today she had invited Mary over to her house for that very purpose.  Mary did not know, however, that Kayla had another purpose in mind, as well. When Mary arrived, she didn’t think much of the fact that several cars were in front of Kayla’s house.  She went up the steps, hesitated, and then knocked on the…

Danit summoned me today.  She wanted to speak of something serious, she said.  I admit that this made me nervous—she has not done this in a very long time.  I went to her trying to think of something I had done to earn her disapproval. “No such thing,” she told me when I asked her.  “You are doing very well, Asa’el.” I demurred.  “I am only doing what I can.” “You truly are doing well,” she said, and her voice…

Pain does not only touch the present.  It has an influence on the future, as well.  The memory of pain influences one’s actions and keeps one from believing that happiness will last. Pamela has felt a great deal of pain in her life.  She has borne rejection by her family and hollow love with Rohan.  She was forced to hurt her friend Andrew to keep him from hoping for a love that would not happen.  She was separated from Lyle,…

Well, today was a bit of a change!  And a welcome one.  It has been too long since I had the chance to assist a younger sibling.  It was an honor and a privilege to be asked. I was at rest in heaven, considering what I should write about for my next installment, when I recognized a presence nearby, one that was once quite familiar to me.  “Shahidi!” I cried, turning with joy to my young brother.  “How good to…

Inca gave me a bit of news today that made me as happy to hear it as she was to give it. Kayla’s mother has gotten a job in the same town where her parents live, and so in two weeks they will make the move and start a new life. Inca believes that they will be safe there—it is a good neighborhood, and Kayla’s mother will be happy there. I was worried about Kayla, who will be leaving her…

Brid tells me that Harrington has reached a plateau in his recovery.  He has begun physical therapy, and while it is difficult for him, his doctors are optimistic.  Not that he will ever walk again without aid, but perhaps with a brace and a cane he could manage, in time. He is not the same man who appears in the pictures around the house.  That man is robust, ordered, content.  Harrington now is reduced, his entire body shrunken, not just…

Today Shannon got a phone call from Oliver Botha. I was encouraged by how glad she was to hear his voice. Of course, she did not allow that to sound in her voice. “So, it’s the man who goes around knocking women off their feet.” “And the woman who chases children in the streets,” he retorted, making her laugh. “I hope you are well?” “How did you get this number?” she asked, ignoring his politeness. “Not easily, I assure you.…

I have asked Brid to look in on Grace from time to time—just brief check-ups, as the humans call them, just to be sure all is well with the baby.  She says that both mother and child are healthy, and that the bond between them will be true. As for their bond with the father, that remains to be seen. I have kept a close eye on Con in the past few days, and I have hope that he will…

I have seen many forms of strength in this world. I have seen strength over pain, and strength against despair, and strength through anger. I have seen quiet strength, and strength that demands attention and respect. But I do not know that I have ever seen anything to match Grace’s strength today. For the first time since the aborted wedding, she called Con this morning. He was surprised to hear from her, but also pleased. On the phone she told…