Sweet Breakfast

The next morning is chilly.

This morning, little May is still out cold when I wake up, curled up snuggling the bunny that I repaired the night before using borrowed string and stuffing.

I'm pleased she trusted me.

I stretch as I pull myself up.

Lucas is up. He's sitting next to Roland. They're talking quietly.

The two men break off conversation when they notice me.

I wave. "Morning."

Roland returns the gesture with a lazy wave of his own.

"Diane!" Lucas springs to his feet excitedly and rushes over to throw his arms around me as soon as I get within reaching distance.

The sudden contact nearly sends me reeling backwards into the dirt.

"Ngh.." I grunt in mild irritation but return his embrace briefly nonetheless, returning some of his enthusiasm albeit with considerably less fanfare than he displays.

Celeste smiles to herself and continues packing.