Chapter 12
In the week before the journey, Jabari dreamed every night. The days seemed to drift by in a fog, but the nights were alive with color because of the dreams. Jabari was exhausted from sleep that didn’t feel like sleep, and he could see by the lines on Isika’s face that she was tired, too. They decided to visit Lake Ayo first, with Ivram and Karah, and spend some time in the life-giving waters.
Ben’s voice was more haunting than usual during the leaving ceremony, and Jabari noticed that he sang with his eyes closed. They were all shaken. Their siblings had left without saying goodbye, and the ceremony was tearful, the goodbyes lingering and frustrating. Auntie was there, and Dawit had to remind her three times to let go of Isika when the time came. Abbas stooped and kissed Jeru
