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“That’s right,” I say. “But a summer is short, and ours is almost over.”
“Mama’s still crying about her boys leaving in the fall,” Sam whispers to Morgan loud enough for us to all hear. “Or being a grandma soon.”
Morgan jumps up. “I could deliver the baby!”
“What baby?” The door slams behind Lori, almost smacking Luke in the face. “You know what? I don’t want to know. I don’t have time for this.”
“What’s going on?” I ask.
“Kitchen’s a mess still. Tank!” she screams. “Get back down to the dining hall and help me. I know you snuck back in here.”
“Uh, I don’t think they did,” Sam says.
Lori raises her hands to her hips, and Luke chuckles. “Well, where the hell are they? I’ve got tons of food to pack up that needs to get delivered out to the elderly.”
“They said they went night fishing,” Morgan says, rolling her eyes. She knows something we don’t.
Luke can barely hide his laughter, his face bright red.
“What do you know?” Lori asks them.
“I know that there are some girls living on the Galene that your kids follow around like puppies,” Luke says.
“My kids?” Lori points to her chest. “Why are they always mine when I can’t find them?”
“Technically, they’re adults,” Sam interjects.
Lori grabs the washcloth from the counter and chucks it at Sam’s head, but she’s laughing when she does it, amused by the banter.
“They aren’t leaving with BeLew,” I sigh. “So, let them have a night of fun. They worked all day and helped a lot with dinner.”
“Okay, but if they’re doing what I think they’re doing over there, your kid is delivering the baby later,” Lori says.
“Oh, gosh,” Morgan groans. “Please don’t.”
“Baby, I know you’re only eleven, but if you want to be a midwife…” Lori trails off.
“I know,” Morgan says. “It’s just that it’s Tank. They’re like my brothers.” She shivers, a disgusted look on her face. “Hey, when BeLew are gone, can I have their room? It’s bigger.”
I throw a blanket over myself and fake cry, making the room laugh. But I know the real tears will come. Letting them go will be impossible, even if it’s time. I raised them like I promised my sister. We survived everything and built a wonderful home here. They want to help people and bring them to the new world, and I can’t begrudge them that.
“I’m tired,” Sam sighs. “Lori, if you need help, let’s get it done.”
Lori waves him off. “Luke and I can handle it. I just wanted to track Tank down. Get some rest, you already did a lot for the dinner. Can you help me get food out tomorrow for the older folks?”
“Of course,” Sam nods.
“I’m going to Gemma’s,” Morgan announces, collecting her sewing. “Can I spend the night there?”
“Sure,” I tell her. I imagine Morgan will take every chance she gets to spend time with Gemma, and I understand. Losing her will be hard, and I want her to have the time she needs with her pseudo-grandmother.
I head off to bed after Sam, curling under the covers while he washes his face and cleans up. Watching him go through his nightly routine, the worry pools in my gut even when I try to fight it. BeLew’s sight is strong enough to keep them from danger, but it doesn’t change that I’m their mama, and I’m scared for them. My eyes grow heavy, and I sink into the mattress, letting sleep come.
When I awaken, the sun is shining on overgrown grass that waves from a spring wind. The water in the distance beams with bright light, both ships still outlined farther away. Sun warms my skin, and I look down at my hands, noting the markings that weren’t there before.
Tattoos circle my wrists, bracelets of names in different colors that I don’t recognize. The handwriting is childlike with choppy letters slanted in all directions. It reminds me of the way BeLew and Morgan would draw their name in the dirt when they were little.
“Grandma!” someone calls out behind me. I don’t turn, looking back out to the ships, wondering what I’m seeing — when I’m seeing.
