Page 56 of Dawn Caravan
“So you’re saying Tenzin knew what was good for me better than I did?” Yeah, that really didn’t sit well.
“I’m saying that if it hadn’t been her who had to make the decision, you’d already be at peace with it. You’re angry because you don’t want to admit this is who you were meant to be.”
* * *
It might have beenearly Saturday morning for Ben, but it was still Friday night for his baby sister, which meant that he owed her a video chat.
Ben sat in his safe room at Gavin’s and powered on his tablet. In seconds, a ringing sound filled the room.
“Ben?” Sadia’s little face popped onto the screen. “You called!”
“I told you I would.”
“Every Friday night.”
“As many as I can.” Ben knew not to make promises he might not be able to keep. “I will do my best.”
Sadia’s screen jumped and shook. “Wait a minute.”
“Where are you taking me?”
“To my fort.”
He smiled. “Your fort?”
“Yes.” The shaking stopped but the picture wasn’t as bright.
“Where are you?”
“I told you, in my fort.” She craned her neck. “Dema and I built it in the playroom, and we used blankets and some of the poles from a camping tent and it’s really cool.” She looked up. “Can you see?”
“I can see the inside a little.”
“It’s really cool.” She propped her chin on her fists. “Do you have a fort?”
“I don’t.”
“Where are you?”
He looked out the window at the glittering lights of the boats docked in the harbor. “I’m not too far from Rome.”
“Really?” She switched to Italian.“Piacere!”
Ben smiled.“Ciao, sorellina.”
“Are you going to Rome? Are you going to see Fabi?”
“Not on this trip. I’m going to a new place I’ve never been tomorrow.”
“Is it going to be fun?”
“I hope so.”
“If it’s not” —she rolled over and looked at the tablet upside down— “just come home.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” He smiled. “I do have to work though.”
“I know.” She kicked her feet in the air. “Do you see my feet?”
