I made sure the platter never emptied until all had their fill. In the cavern that morning was laughter and conversation and a sense of familial companionship. It was needed. We all needed to feel as if we belonged to one another. Many trying and terrible times would await us down the road. But for now, we were at peace. And it healed our battered souls.
* * *
She sat on a stone across from me, her eyes shut tightly, her face twisted up into a mask of terrible concentration. Both of her tiny hands were rolled up into fists and she had them on her thighs as she leaned forward and braced herself. I could not help but smile. Her face was so amusing to watch as she sat and tried to complete the task, I had given her.
“Now imagine it. A wall. A large stone wall miles thick and solid. Imagine
