"Yeah, well, that's what I'm afraid of."

"Oni is loyal to me, to all of us. What would life on this beach be without her?"

He became thoughtful. "We could use some more help on the farm…"

I smiled. "Let's talk to Oni about it."

We dropped by Oni and Ran's house after dinner. While we watched King play with the baby chicks, we discussed the idea. Oni liked the idea and said she would help the spirits we called to understand and not be as confused as she ...