My sparrow, she flickers and wakes and sings and sings.

I watch her as she leaves. Everything about her is fluid as a river. Her messy hair, her xylophone voice, the strokes of her paintbrush. Even her camouflage army jacket hangs loose, flowing like ribbons.

The song is languid and speaks of love and loneliness and loss. Why does love seem to go with the sad things?

Love is a tempestuous mistress. And none of us shall ever master her.

My sparrow, she flickers and wakes and sings and sings.

What place does a woman have here, in the realm of men?

Child, think not of those things, those dark possibilities. Your father and brothers are here with you today. Lavain will tug at your braids, Tirry will sing you songs, and your father will see his wife's beauty in you. Savor their love today. And it will never leave you.