I did. And I knew she was right.
“Thanks, Mom.”
We went down into the basement and I geared up. When I finished, she stood on the doorstep waiting.
“Do you want to come with me?” I asked.
The corners of her eyes crinkled as she smiled. “When you need me, I am always here. But we both know that’s not what this journey is for you.”
“If you help me retake my place in the library, I can never prove to you that I deserve to be your equal.” She was too smart for her own good, it was frustrating.
“You have nothing to prove to me, Lily. Only to yourself. I already know you’re capable. If anything, you’re stronger than me.”
I snorted. “Never in a million years.”
But her expression didn’t crack; not even a hint of insincerity showed through. She meant it. Every word.
“Thank you,” I said. “This was exactly what I needed.”
“I’m glad. Now before you go back to wherever you’re going, you may want to retrieve your friend from my bush.”
“My friend?” I turned and looked around and spotted a set of large eyes staring at me from a bush. “Imogen, what are you doing?”
“I told her she should come inside,” Mom said. “But she squeezed her eyes shut and pretended she couldn't hear me. I’m not sure if she thinks we can’t see her, or if she’s simply gotten herself stuck.”
“Imogen, get out of that bush,” I said. “We can see you.”
She made a noise. The leaves rustled. She remained inside the bush. Perhaps shewasstuck.
I made my way over to her and Mom followed. Imogen made more noises, and more rustling as we approached.
“What are you doing?” I asked her.
“I’m trapped,” she said.
Mom shook her head, lifted her palm into the air and slowly closed her fingers into a fist. In response to the motion, the leaves of the bush browned and fell to the ground. The branches withered, growing in reverse, back to a baby plant, back to roots, and to nothing, freeing Imogen.
“Show off,” I said.
Mom smirked.
Imogen ran her hands all over herself like somehow she was exposed. Her clothing remained intact, but there was a branch in her hair.
“I wantedherhelp.” Imogen pointed at me.
“You’re welcome,” Mom said.
“I’m so sorry.” Imogen said. “I know I’m not supposed to be here. But, the well spit me up, and I didn’t know where to go, and then I smelled the buru stink and I tried to hide and well….”
“Youare allowed to be here. Wendy Ariti is not,” Mom said.
“Oh,” Imogen said.
That’s what I had told her. She hadn’t believed me. I offered her a hand and helped her to her feet.
“Thank you,” she said. “And that’s useful information. I wish I had known that sooner.”
“I tried to tell you earlier,” Mom said.