The next three weeks were such an emotional grind for Billy that he barely registered anything other than sadness, as he sat, day in and day out at Pe...ey’s bedside. Tears streaming down his cheeks as he whispered to the boy, begging him to wake up, letting him know that Uncle Billy was there, and that he would always have his back from now on. Telling him how he was going to take him home, make things right for the boy.Billy was sitting in the chair looking out the window at the cloudy. The quiet small market town had a strange feeling to it this morning, like the air itself was vibrating with anticipation. Some of the more sensitive villagers noted the tension, or wondered if they imagined a slightly unusual intensity in their neighbours' eyes, but most dismissed the phenomena as symptoms of excitement for the upcoming harvest.The three new arrivals definitely did not notice, as their minds were on a much more serious matter: budgeting. Sitting in the ramshackle local tavern. ”“I’m glad it’s not a leap year! Can you imagine having February 29th as your birthday?”“Oh, I don’t know,” Josie giggled. “Being 80 and saying that you only had 20 birthdays would be pretty funny!”“I suppose so!” I agreed.“Steve, go make us breakfast, please!” Jennifer requested. “There’s plenty of stuff in the kitchen. I’m going to snuggle my sweetie for a bit.”“Yes, Ma’am!” I said, mocking a salute.I got out of bed and went down to the kitchen. Stephanie was there and had made tea, so I. Kola tells me that you have taken four more mates to keep your furs warm and to tend your fire and that men flock to you for your wisdom. I am sorry we will not have time to talk for I am certain that your tales will be more amazing than I could imagine." Another time Tagar," I told the man clasping his forearm one last time. "I have promised you that the spirits will provide for you this coming winter and if all goes well, you will see me again. Unfortunately, there are others in this land.