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"Daughter," the Man in Blue said to the girl "We have a guest"

The girl stepped into the light, and I could finally see her She was plain, but there was a kindness, a warmth in her clean face that made her pretty She smiled at me

I sirl’s shoulder then "Where is Mother?"

"A woman went into labor"

The Man in Blue looked confused "Who?"

The girl shook her head "Not froer, the husband, came for Mother She said she would return as soon as she was able"

The Man in Blue’s eyes tightened "I must speak with you," he said to her Then he turned to o outside Do you understand?"

I nodded He drew the girl away, out of the hut I heard whispers but I could not understand the words Moain Alone

She did not speak to me Not at first She took a step toward me, then turned up her palh now for me to catch her scent, earthy and intense I liked it and I liked her warmth She extended her arm then, and I let her touch me She crouched in a corner and sat ainst her clean shift with the fagled, trying to get coo out there," she said,irl said with a tiny smile "It is not safe," she added

"It is too quiet"

"People are sick The noise hurts them"

I did not understand "Why?"

"Haven’t you ever been sick?"

I shook ets sick You are full of , so I asked, "The Man in Blue, he is your father?"

"The Man in Blue?" she asked, her eyes glittering "That is what you call hiirl nodded "Yes, he is But you may call him Uncle and my mother Aunt, when she returns" She paused "And you may call et sick?" I asked, even though I did not re either

"Perhaps," the girl said quietly, and pulled ainst her "But you are with us now"

"Why?"

"Because ill take care of you"

Her voice was gentle and soft, and suddenly I was frightened for her "Are you sick?"

"Not yet," she said, then stood

I followed quickly She was not like the others I wanted her to stay

She glanced back "I was not leaving," she assured me

"I know," I said, but followed her anyway

We did not go far We simply turned into another small rooirl ducked down behind one and held a bundle of fabric in her hand, as well as a needle and thread She re dark and withdrew a puff of it in her fist She folded the cloth around the fluff and hu--it consisted of only a few notes--as she began to sew

I was hypnotized by her hands "What is that?"

"A present So for you to play with, so you will never feel alone"

I felt so like fear "I want to play with you"