Kiera's Moon

The prisoner was led away. Kiera relaxed, no longer feeling his gaze on her. Evelyn spoke to her, her words foreign. Kiera tapped her translator and shook her head. Evelyn removed hers.

"You didn't understand anything?" Evelyn asked.

"I have to pee, now," Kiera answered.

"Oh. Sorry. I'll go, too."

Evelyn made a motion to Romas, who looked grimmer than usual. He nodded and returned to the tent. Kiera followed as Evelyn turned toward the main house, a sprawling, single-story compound made of brilliant white stone and dotted with hundreds of glass-less windows. It was open and airy, bright and cheerful. They walked across the open field before it, the bright sun and solid ground beneath her easing some of her anxiety about the day.

"You didn't understand anything?" Evelyn asked again.

"Nope. Evelyn, I'm so sorry I've totally embarrassed you today," Kiera said. "I wanted it to be special for you and managed to mortify both of us."

"Oh, no, K-K!" Evelyn said. "They know we're from another place. His family has been very understanding."

"Except those boys," Kiera muttered. "Stupid kids."

"Just kids, though, K-K. I'm sorry they upset you."

Kiera shrugged.

"Are you really ready to go home so soon?" Evelyn asked.

"Yeah, I think so."

Evelyn sighed in disappointment. Kiera looked at her friend, guilty for hurting her feelings despite her need to return to her own world. Her thoughts went to the prisoner, and she wondered if she'd see him again if she stayed a little longer.

"If you want, I'll stay for a few more days," she offered half-heartedly. "As your wedding present. I'm not overly anxious to get back on that depressing ship."

"Thanks, Kiera," Evelyn said. "It really would mean a lot to me. The next few days will be nothing but feasts and parties in celebration of our marriage!"

"So then you'll be very happy."

"Even happier because I didn't have to plan them," Evelyn said. "And you'll have fun, too, Kiera. I promise."

Kiera shook tension from her shoulders. Evelyn did have a way of making even the most gruesome day of spring cleaning fun. Perhaps, if Romas kept the spiders away and Evelyn could make the days pass quickly, she might survive her visit. She may go so far as not to be disappointed with it if she saw the handsome man again.

"What did that guy do to be arrested?" she asked. "Steal something? Kill someone?"