After dinner, they all gathered in the makeshift teepee for the night. Trading had not been profitable, but there was a great deal of satisfaction in knowing that friends were safe and accounted for after the recent natural disasters. Laura was leaning against George, while Seth and Daniel were bent over a set of well-worn playing cards. Lesley was braiding Amy’s brown hair.
Geoge nudged Laura and pointed in the direction of the children. Gabe lay with his head pillowed on Zahara’s lap, and she was stroking his hair slowly as she stared into the fire. Gabe was sleeping, and little by little, the hand on Gabe’s head grew slower and slower, until it stilled altogether and rested lightly on his crown. In her other hand, she clutched the moonstone.
Laura shifted, and took a small batte
