Chapter 54: Koa gets kids settled and reunites with Kent

A transition...

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Once inside the house, Koa fixed the kids a snack as they took turns showering and dressed themselves in clean pajamas. Once they were clean and dressed, she brought them each a glass of milk and a sliced banana. “This will settle your tummies. It’s been a big day.”

The back office room was small but cozy; the two futons had already been laid out and were neatly made. Koa found toothbrushes in the big suitcase that must have been packed by Nalea. Once the children had eaten, she prompted them to brush their teeth and then sat cross-legged between their beds, reading aloud from an old copy of Island of the Blue Dolphins, one of her and Ella’s favorites.

By the time she turned the light off, both of them were guessing the Valley’s night sounds again—crickets, frogs, wind in the trees.

“Pig,” Taia whispered, hearing a grunt followed by a smaller squeal. “I mean, pig family.”

Pali giggled, then turned over and snuggled deep into her pillow. Taia’s breathing slowed and softened; they were out.

Koa leaned back against the wall, her legs stretched out between their pallets. The window was open; the night sounds of the valley deepened into peace.

She didn’t know what was happening at the hospital.

Didn’t know if Kimo would make it.