Wicked Forest (DeBeers 2)

"They've been painted black?"

I told him why Linden had done it, and he shook his head, his eyes filling with concern.

"Maybe now, now that he has seen her interred in her grave, he will no longer have those visions." I said "In an ironic and sad way, being at the funeral was probably good for him."

"Maybe." Miguel said, but he still looked concerned.

We had something to eat, then sat out on the loggia. There were a few soft and puffy clouds now, but other than that and a little increase in the breeze, the day had remained one of the most beautiful.

"Mother would have loved this day. She would have spent most of it out here and walking on the beach."

"It's so beautiful here." Miguel said. "I imagine she never really felt neglected or denied much, despite what you tell me about the social world that locked her out."

"I'm sure you are right."

"Excuse me, Mrs. Eaton," we heard. and I turned to see Mary and Joan, dressed to leave, their suitcases in hand. "Since there aren't any people coming, we thought we might as well be on our way." Mary said.

"Everything has been cleaned up and put away properly. and Jennings says he can see to anything that you might need the rest of the day."

"Okay," I said.

"We left a forwarding address with Jennings where you can mail us our final pay and anything else that comes for us." Joan said.

"Fine."

"We're sorry about it all. Mrs. Eaton." Mary said.

"Thank you, and good luck to you both," I said.

They flashed small smiles, then turned and left.

"What's that all about?" Miguel asked. and I told him. "So you're going to be left with no help here?"

"I'll start on that in a day or so. We don't need very much at the moment."

"Couldn't they have the decency to wait a week or so more?" Miguel asked, shaking his head after them.

"I suppose I don't blame them." I said. "I should go and let you rest."

"I'm fine." I said. "but I don't want to keep you from anything you need to do."

He smiled.

"Don't be a big shot. You're carrying a lot." he said, nodding at my stomach.

I smiled.

"I promise not to be a big shot," I told him.

He held my gaze, and then he leaned over and kissed me on the forehead.

"Take care of yourself. Willow. I'll be by soon to make sure you do."

"I hope so," I said.

"Don't get up unless you're going up to rest. I can let myself out."

"I'll just sit here awhile." I told him. He held my hand for a few more seconds, then pulled his away and walked into the house.