The Mayor's Visit

Back at Pergoliva, Lacie plowed the dried leaves while her twins gathered the rest with their tiny hands.

"Mommy, are we going to burn these?" Abby asked, grabbing a handful of leaves for her mother.

Lacie nodded, using the back of her hand to wipe off sweat. "Yes, it's getting hot. Take Axel and go back inside."

"No!" Abby refused, running back to her brother to play.

Lacie groaned, pushing the shovel to the side to keep her balance. "Abby, don't make me repeat myself again. Take your brother inside, the sun is too much."

"But you're staying under the sun. Why can't we?" the little girl asked her mother, ready to square up.

Lacie pulled the glove from one hand. "What did you say to me, young lady?"

"We are going inside, Mommy," Abby replied, dragging her brother, who was quietly staring at the leaves, inside with her.