“Are you sure that's the one?” Ebby crouched to get a closer look.
“Yes, this is it. Just as Ilka described.” Serra carefully clipped the plant and wrapped it in a damp cloth. She then tied it securely with some twine then tucked it into her bag. “Ok, let's go.”
Ebby raced after Serra. “Wait up.”
They hurried down the pine needle covered dirt trail. The sun was just beginning to set and a chill settled into the air. Serra held the bag a little tighter to herself. Ebby tucked her collar tighter around her neck. They rounded the curve in the trail and stopped.
“I'm going straight to Ilka. You go home so Mom and Dad won't worry.” Serra said.
“But I want to go with you.” Ebby pleaded grabbing Serra's arm.
“No, Ebby. It's late, you need to get home.” Serra gently removed Ebby's arm and nudged her toward home. “Please, just go.”
“Ok. But it's not fair.” Ebby pouted and trudged off down the trail a few steps. A crack of a branch kicked her into a run.
Serra watched her disappear into the shadows before continuing on. Soon she reached the hut and knocked.
“Come in Serra.” Ilka's voice was weathered but still had a bit of song to it.
Serra went inside closing the door behind her. She set the bag on the table where Ilka indicated then gently pulled out the bundle. She untied the twine and unwrapped the flower, then stepped back.
“Oh, Serra, it's beautiful. Thank you.” Ilka reached out to skim her fingers ever so lightly over the petals. “It's perfect.”
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