"Mama," I whispered. "I'm home."
I reached for her hand and held it.
"I need you to come too. Please, please," I begged, my hot tears now free to pour over my lids and trickle down my cheeks.
As if she was looking into a mirror and had to mirror the image, she brought tears to her own eyes, and soon they were trickling down her own cheeks. I smiled through mine.
"You want to come home someday soon, don't you?" I asked.
She nodded.
"When?"
She smiled.
"Tomorrow," she said, and showed me her painting again.
"Yes, Mama. Tomorrow. I'll come every day until you see it in your painting. I promise," I said.
I leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek.
She looked troubled for a moment and then smiled and turned back to her painting. I stayed with her a while longer, and then I kissed her again and left.
Pru was standing by her car, looking very nervous and worried, When I emerged from the building. I smiled at her.
"How was it?"
"It was good," I said. "It was a beginning."
"Oh, that's wonderful, Celeste. I'm so happy for you."
"Thank you," I said, and we got into the car and headed back to the faun. "I'll go to school with Brice on Monday," I said.
"That's great."
"I want to talk to Mr. Nokleby-Cook about getting myself a car. I need it now."
"Oh, I'm sure something can be arranged quickly for you."
"Yes, I'm sure," I said. "I'm sure about everything now," I said.
She looked at me with a smile of astonishment. "Oh? Why is that?"
"I just saw tomorrow," I said, "and tomorrow and tomorrow. It's a gift I have."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Who gave it to you?"
"I suppose my grandmother, in a way, and of course my mother."
I wanted to add someone else, but I knew she would never understand.
I wanted to say most of all, Noble.
But that was something to be forever locked in my heart, a secret I shared with no one.