Hope Island
Copyright© 2020 by Yob
Chapter 4: Facing Facts
After discovering Billi and her predicament, mom visited her daily. The visits were therapeutic for both women. A temporary escape from her kids for mom and company for lonely Billi.
One afternoon, mom didn’t return. We felt certain she would be home by dark, but she wasn’t. Anxious as we were to hunt for her, it is dangerous and foolish to go clambering around in the dark on the slopes of an ancient volcano. Not a walk in the park.
Come morning, our first stop was to see Billi, to inquire when she last saw mom. We didn’t need to seek further. Mom spent the night by Billi’s side and they are still together. They have a third companion as well. Johnny. Johnny is trying to mimic a weeping willow, I think.
“Momma? What’s wrong? What’s happening?”
“Don’t worry babies. Everything is going to be fine. You can visit me as much as you want in daylight. I’m not going anywhere.”
“We don’t understand. What happened?”
“When you rescued me several months ago, I kept a secret from you. Sooner or later it would become evident, I knew. It was never my intention so I didn’t deceive you, only postponed the revelation so you wouldn’t needlessly worry.”