Epilogue
SHE SITS BY his bed on the first night of Full-Earth Moon, ten days after her conversation with Parkus in the secret passageway. Outside the pavilion, she can hear children singing “The Green Corn A-Dayo.” On her lap is a scrap of embroidery. It is summer, still summer, and the air is sweet with summer’s mystery.
And in this billowing room where his mother’s Twinner once lay, Jack Sawyer opens his eyes.
Sophie lays aside her embroidery, leans forward, and puts her lips soft against the shell of his ear.
“Welcome back,” she says. “My heart, my life, and my love: welcome back.”
April 14, 2001