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At Saelyn’s playful words, a tug pulls on my lips, forming into a smile.

It is clear the boy loves her, just as she assured me he would all those years ago in another life. I am finally contented with the truth of it after observing this latest act of devotion, watching him working through days and nights to build her this little dwelling.

Truly , it is not much, but the way her eyes sparkled upon seeing it, I can feel that she does not mind its size.

He kisses her and picks her up to carry her to the door. They laugh together at his fumbling to open it while keeping his mouth pressed to hers.

I hear their laughter cease as they step inside, and I can no longer find an excuse to linger.

I step back from the trees which have hidden me for years I have not bothered to count. Time is a construct built by those who will see its end. Time means nothing to me.

The only two I care to love have found their peace, and it so happens, I must find mine.

I trail over bushes and roots, brushing my hands along the rough bark of the trees, sharing an endless life with each of them growing in the forest I once woke on a night of a full moon.

When I arrive at where I must go, I wave my hand across the field of clover, opening the secret I’ve hidden in my patience.

I trail down the steps woven from the roots of the earth and enter my place of rest.

Like the little cottage the boy built, it isn’t much.

I don’t need more than this to sleep, however, and I don’t need more than this to keep my heart safe so that all of my children may continue to live and prosper under the sun. Just as she asked.

I slip my shoes from my feet and set myself onto the bed filled with soft blankets and pillows. Enough comforts to keep me asleep for the longest my body will allow, for I am tired and weary of all I have done.

I lay my head of long white locks down onto the pillow and allow a single tear to slip off my nose.

I have done what they have asked and am ready to sleep. I have given my daughter her chance to be happy, and I have given my Little One what I promised her I would in that other place, in that other time.

I close my eyes to let the last trickle of fear release from my heart.

I may be alone, but they are not, and that is enough.

My daughters are happy.

My daughters are safe.

My daughters are loved.