42
Rasha prepared to leave at dawn as she’d said. Lu’s mother had eyes red-rimmed from crying and still woke early enough to prepare some bread to take with her.
“You didn’t have to.” Rasha put a hand on the older woman’s hand.
Lu’s mother smiled and squeezed her hand in return.
“I want to.” She wrapped the food and tucked it into a large handkerchief. She gave it to Rasha, who nodded and accepted the hug that came along with it.
“He didn’t sleep. I’m sorry he can’t be here to see you off,” she’d said of Lu’s father.
The night had been difficult for Rasha, too. Lu’s old room seemed filled with his energy and smell. His small desk was as he’d left it, mid-project. There were gadgets strewn about in various stages of repair. She found herself half-awake most of the night, her dreams fi
