“The honesty of her plain skin was striking without foundation.”

“Eventually, as her grandmother’s sobs softened, she pulled her away and – looking deeply into the clouds of her grey eyes – lifted her and led her home for the last time.”

“A girl?" Her mother looked at her, curiously, as if the word were unknown to her; ancient and puzzling as an artifact behind a glass encasement.”

“Her past was finally speaking to her in a language she understood.”

“She was now on her way to an old world that was nothing but new to her.”

“She sat on the stoop alone, gazing up at an infinite sky as it held her and pushed her away all at once.”

“Her eyes watered until the moment became nothing more than floating colors in front of her watery eyes.”