''To the Void with your privilege, you have my answer.'' He was never overly religious like mom is or how most people we know are.

  ''Priestess, may my husband and I discuss this in private. These are truly blessed news however all of our emotions are in the air now, and we need time to compose and talk.''

  ''Certainly. We are not animals; take your time. In the next few days visit me in the temple, we have much to talk about. There are still months before the start of her studies.'' She picks up the still pulsating geode, stick, and the rest of her equipment. After saying goodbye to my mother, she moves to leave, but before finally doing so, she tells us not to talk to anyone about the test or its results. Father didn't even bother to look at her.

  My parents fight throughout the rest of the day and a good chunk of the night but eventually, Mother's composure prevails. Irritatingly, even though I was the subject of their bickering, I was never consulted for my input.

  Later, and after some comforting words of wisdom and warning from my mom, they are finally left for bed. Allowing me to unobtrusively climb to the ft roof of our home and gaze up for a heartbeat or two. I remember never being able to stare at it for as long as other kids did.

  Sol is bnketing Lodestar with its comforting red light. I always do this when I can't sleep. I lie down and close my eyes as the red orb gives me a warm feeling under my skin.

  A small thought nags at me about how there was something strange regarding Mom. At first, there was the understandable anguish, same as with Father, but during our st conversation, she seemed almost relieved.

  Fruitlessly I try to catch a dream or two while in the distance I hear dogs barking and—if I really focus—the faint and pleasant humming of waterfalls falling over the edges of our moss a few hundred paces to the north.

  ***