The boy opened it. Inside were the little clay bowl Grace had helped him make, the wooden bird, and a small piece of bread.
Jude smiled.
"Planning a journey?"
Sol nodded.
"To the beach."
Jude was surprised.
"You remember the beach?"
"Yes."
"Do you remember anything about how you arrived there?"
Sol looked down at the bundle.
"No."
Jude studied his face.
"That's all right. You can come with us, but you'll need to stay close."
Sol smiled.
"I will."
The group left shortly after breakfast.
Sophie and Serena carried supplies, while Scarlet brought a small basket and Jude carried a rope. Sol walked between Jude and Sophie, occasionally stopping to examine plants along the path.
The forest was brighter than it had been the previous day. Sunlight streamed through the leaves, and the air was filled with birdsong.
Sol seemed delighted.
He pointed at a butterfly.
Then a small flower.
Then a strange pattern on the bark of a tree.
