Wicked Forest (DeBeers 2)

when I forced myself to rise. After I washed my face

in cold water to shock out the sleepiness and brushed

my hair so I could at least tie it back. I put on my robe

and went out to the kitchen where my mother and

Linden were having breakfast.

"Oh. Linden," she cried as soon as she saw me

approaching. "look who has returned, just as I told

you. She arrived last night after you went to bed." He didn't turn his head or lift his eyes toward

me at all. "Hi, Linden," I said "How are you feeling?" He stared down at his oatmeal and then, as if he

hadn't heard a word I said, he sipped some coffee. "Willow is back. Linden." my mother said.

"Don't you want to say good morning to her?" He looked at our mother, but he didn't look at

me. Again, he sipped some coffee.

My mother and I exchanged a look of concern, and then I smiled back, closing and opening my eyes

gently.

"Are you hungry, Willow?"

"I'll just make myself some toast with jam," I

said.

'I didn't expect you would be up so early after

driving all day and late into the night, and especially

after I kept you up so long talking.-' she told me as I

went to make the toast.

"Neither did I," I said. "I was awake earlier," I

added, wondering if Linden had eventually realized

what had happened during the night. I glanced at him

to see if he was going to sneak a glance at me, but he

didn't. He pushed himself back from the table and

stood.

You haven't finished your breakfast yet.

Linden," our mother said.

He shook his head.