Hushed Willows Night swimmers

Harlyn confirmed her suspicions about the moon cycle and Larkspur felt a little thrill, not only at guessing correctly but also at the idea of seeing Deirdre again. She nodded in response to her mother's rhetorical question, wondering just how many days were left before the moon bared its face fully to those on the earth below.

"I wish she lived here," the youngster said quietly, contemplatively. She cocked her head, glancing upward and sideways at the side of Harlyn's face before directing her gaze outward. Larkspur exhaled through her nose and wondered aloud of the fireflies, "Are they magic?" She didn't fully understand the word Deirdre had used, yet it felt somehow applicable to those tiny, flashing lights swimming through the night.