Hugging Marcus, Hana felt tearful and lost. “Tell Izzie I love her,” she said, fighting the rising grief and managing an extra kiss for Elizabeth.
“Course I will, Hana.” His arms felt strong and safe around her and he kissed the top of her head. “Come and see us again soon,” he said, the invitation genuine.
Hana nodded and waved them off, mopping her eyes so they wouldn’t see her tears as the car bumped around the bend and down into the bush. Pungas and ferns obstructed her view of their descent further.
Bright and pleasant after the cold and misery of the previous few days, Hana gave herself a mental shake. “Come on woman, get it together,” she told herself aloud, her voice sounding incongruous amidst the squawking of birds and hissing of the breeze through the trees. Hana’s wrist hurt
