As the sun set and the nighttime shadows appeared, Daisy walked alone from the celebration. Coming home to Lilyville for the holiday brought her immense joy, allowing her a respite from the war. But seeing Rohan’s scar was a grim reminder that the fun and games couldn’t last forever. Daisy had to end the war, or more children would be hurt. Which meant she had to battle Evelyn, more than likely to the death!

  “Why, god?”

  Daisy came to terms long ago that she would have to kill in the war. It was a choice that made her say an extra prayer each night before she slept. However, this situation had her more confused than ever about whether it was right or wrong. Was it because Evelyn was like Ros, a brainwashed child deceived into a life of murder by Mavor’s propaganda? Or was it because she was Everton’s blood, the last remnant of her beloved second father in the land of the living?

  “Am I just being selfish?” Daisy took out her pillow, pondering the answer to her question as she stared at it.”Should I forget that she’s Everton’s daughter?”

  Daisy continued her journey to the Lilyville cemetery. She had planned to visit Joseph, to speak to his grave. Daisy would tell him of her and her sisters’ happiness on Earth so he would have nothing to worry about in heaven. But now she needed to talk to him for a different reason. As a child, Joseph was her world. He was a symbol that hope could conquer all. And now, as an adult, she needed him to do that for her again.

  As she arrived at the cemetery with the cool breeze hitting her face, her mind raced back many years. It was when Aisha’s blood mother, Michaela, had recently passed away. The families were friends, so they came to support them during the difficult time. Daisy looked over to her grave, seeing the images of their younger selves as if they were still there!

  As the other townsfolk left after the funeral, the David family remained, waiting at a respectable distance for their friends. Aisha, six, stood beside Devon as they gazed at Michaela’s grave, teary-eyed.

  “Daddy, is mommy in heaven now?” Aisha asked.

  “Yes, sweetie!”

  ”But why did she have to go?” Aisha wept. “I want her back!”

  “Don’t be like that, sweetie! We have to try and be happy for Mommy!”

  “How?”

  As Joseph heard their conversation, he walked forward as Mary followed behind him with Daisy and Belle.

  “Devon, why don’t you bring Aisha to meet some of my horses?” Joseph uttered a nervous chuckle. ”I’ll bring Belle and Daisy, and we can make a Pa and Daughter day out of it!”

  “That sounds so fun, Pa!” Daisy ran to Devon.”Please say yes, Mr. Robinson!”

  “I don’t see any reason why not!” Devon turned his gaze to Aisha, waiting for her to grow a smile.

  “Why? It won’t bring her back?”

  “It might sound cruel of me, but you have to be happy for your mother’s sake!”

  “But why, Pa David?”

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  “As it’s written in the holy book, we must be joyful and honor our fathers and mothers!”

  Aisha turned her gaze to Mary, teary-eyed.”Is that true, Ma David?”

  Mary went to Aisha, gently wiping the tears from the girl’s face.”Yes, child!”

  As an acceptance of Joseph’s offer, she hugged her, clinging to Mary like she were her mother.

  As Daisy continued reminiscing, unbeknownst to her, someone was walking up behind her. The person tapped Daisy’s shoulder, sending Daisy leaping in fright. But as she turned around, she saw that it was Mary.

  “Oh, Ma!” Daisy uttered a nervous chuckle.”You scared me half to death!”

  “I thought I might find you here!”

  “I just wanted to say hello to Pa!”

  “Is that all you wanted to say to him?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “When you left, I could tell something was wrong! I spoke to your sisters, so I know about this, Evelyn girl!”

  “You do?”

  Mary nodded yes.

  “Ma, I just don’t know what to do!” Daisy placed her hand over her face, exasperated. “If I meet her again, I might have to kill!”

  “And you have a problem with that because she’s Everton’s daughter?”

  Daisy removed her hand from over her face, nodding yes, ashamed.”Am I selfish?”

  “I’m afraid I don’t know!” Mary took a deep breath. “I’m no soldier, just a farmer!”

  “Thank you for being honest!”

  “But I will urge you to seek wisdom from those wiser than I!”

  “You mean god?”

  “Of course!”

  “Yes, ma’am! Just like Pa always said!”

  Mary giggled, nodding yes. Daisy responded, hugging her mother tightly. But as she finished, she turned her gaze to Joseph’s grave. Together, they held hands, walking to it to pay their respects.

  Later, Daisy and Mary returned to the Thanksgiving celebration. The graveyard visit had been quiet, just the two of them sitting in the shadow of a weathered headstone, saying the things they couldn't say anywhere else. Her mother's eyes were red, and Daisy could see the tiredness in the lines of her face, but there was a faint softness to her expression as if the brief moment of remembering Joseph had given her some peace.

  As they returned, the world of Lilyville was vibrant and alive. Laughter floated through the air, a fire crackled somewhere near the tables, and the rich aroma of turkey, baked goods, and warm bread filled the area. Daisy could hear the familiar clink of plates, the hum of conversation, the unmistakable sound of happy children who had a habit of stealing the last of the pastries.

  Her heart, once again, felt light.

  The scene unfolded as they neared the others, a typical Thanksgiving in their little town. Checkered cloths covered the long picnic tables, and fairy lights strung between the branches of the trees. The golden light of dusk bathed everything in a soft glow, and for a moment, Daisy felt like she was stepping into a dream, another respite from the war.

  Carter was sitting at the far end of one of the tables with his head suspended by his hand under his chin. Daisy could tell from where he sat that he had chosen the spot where he was least likely to talk to anyone. But seeing him unhappy only made her want to cheer him up.

  Before her mother could say anything, Daisy bolted toward him. She ran to Carter, jumping into his lap, giggling.

  “What’s this about, Daisy?”

  “I saw you looking down, so I thought I would cheer you up!”

  “But your mom’s right over there!” Carter pointed to Mary.

  “I will allow it just this once, boy!”

  Daisy happily kissed Carter with passion, still sitting in his lap.

  A few minutes later, the people were ready to eat the spread that lay before them on the tables. It was a vast banquet of pies, stuffed turkey, bread rolls, and more. Daisy locked her hungry eyes onto Mary’s apple pie! But as the hands began reaching for the food, Mary shouted.”Excuse me!” Stopping them and drawing all attention towards her at the end of the table.

  “Everyone, please bow your heads for prayer!”

  The people quickly complied, taking each other’s hands and bowing their heads. Even though Carter didn’t personally believe in the tradition, he followed suit. He knew that Daisy did, so he was willing to swallow his pride for her as he had done before. And he thought it best to stay in Mary’s good graces for numerous reasons, including the favor she did for him earlier.

  Carter reached for Daisy’s hand, his fingers brushing over hers like they always had, and for a moment, everything felt like it was right where it was supposed to be. She didn’t have to know anything. Not now. Not yet. She would enjoy the peace with her loved ones, replenishing her physical and spiritual strength before returning to the battlefield.