Her mum didn’t seem to know how to respond, so Annie covered for her. Anything to divert Beltana’s curiosity about where they spent most of their time. She will create many more stories here, Beltana. Perhaps my mother will collect so many memories for you to carry on your necklace that you’ll need a couple of matching bracelets to help spread the weight.
Perhaps, Beltana agreed, laughing. That is for her to decide. Or perhaps she will have her party in another place, like Geoff did, and others will tell her stories.
When neither of them could think of a response, Beltana walked away to talk to Aya’s son, who was tossing fragrant branches of dried herbs onto the fire.
‘The reason I don’t talk about Geoff is because I miss him,’ her mum said once Beltana was far enough away that they cou
