by Candy Rae
It was Janice who went to Tara, who was crying in the bedroom she shared with the girls. Kolyei had told her that Tara needed her and that he didn’t know what to do. Perhaps Janice could help? Tara’s thoughts were so incoherent that he wasn’t even sure what it was all about. Janice didn’t hesitate, after telling her three daughters not to disturb them; she calmly wiped her hands on her apron and entered the room.
Tara raised her head.
“What’s wrong Tara?” Janice asked, taking the sobbing child in her arms.
“I don’t know what to say,” Tara sobbed.
“About what?” asked Janice reasonably enough.
“Kolyei’s had word from Sindya and Malya,” she replied, “Bill and Geoff Armstrong are asking about their family. He’s passed back messages to all the others and they’re asking why there’s been nothing from them. What do I do?”
“Best do nothing darling,” advised Janice, mentally berating Jim for not thinking of this complication himself. “I’ll speak to Jim. Maybe his Larya would pass the news on.”
“She could let Matvei or Faddei know,” said Tara, “Why didn’t I think of that? Laura’s kind, she would break the news, or Kath.”
“Such news should come from someone grown up,” agreed Janice, “and the reason why you didn’t think of it is that you are twelve years old and too young to be worrying about such things.”
“Do you really think so?” asked Tara, sitting up and drying her eyes.
“Yes I do. Now you freshen up and come out to join us all in front of the hearth. Kolyei is there; he’s worried about you.”
“Okay,” said Tara, “and thanks Aunt Janice.”
“Aunt Janice?”
“Violet said I might,” said her guest with a shy grin.
* * * * *
