She stood up and stretched again, reaching up toward the skylight as if she were a plant seeking light, before bending back down to touch her toes.She really needed to start getting more exercise.She loved that she could spend as much time as she liked sitting out here in her workspace, but she needed to balance it with movement — and probably some human interaction occasionally, too.
Although that part would be taken care of for the next...she didn't know how long with Alara and Zia staying here.She was looking forward to it.Normally she guarded her space carefully.She'd made a few friends here in Fort Bragg — there was an artsy community — but she hadn't made the kind of friends she invited over, and that was a deliberate move.
Alara and Zia were different, though.Not just because they needed a place, but because Callie genuinely enjoyed them.She was super curious what Alara's story might be — how she'd ended up living in a camper, whether Zia's father had ever been in the picture — but it didn't seem right to ask.Alara had enough on her plate at the moment.
Callie made her way to the door.She wanted to do whatever she could to help them get back on their feet, and for now, all that meant was going to check in with them.
When she was almost to the camper, the door flew open and Zia appeared, waving madly."Lady Sunshine, you're here!"
"I sure am, little miss.How are you?Did you sleep well?"
"I did.I like it here.It's peaceful.I think there are some fairies who live in the ferns and the big old trees are looking after us."
"I'm glad," said Callie."I like that about this place, too."She looked up."I've loved these trees since the first day I met them.How's your mom?"
Zia glanced back over her shoulder."I think she's feeling a little better.She's in the shower.Do you want to come in?"
Callie didn't know if she should intrude, but relaxed a little when she heard Alara call, "I'll be out in a minute.Stick around if you'd like to."
She looked at Zia before calling back, "Is it okay if Zia comes with me to the cottage?You can come and find us when you're ready."
Zia nodded eagerly, her eyes wide as she waited for her mom to answer.It took a moment or two before Alara called back."You don't need to.She's okay here, I..."
"I know," said Callie."I just thought you might like a little time to get ready.And I was coming to invite you guys to the cottage for a snack anyway."
"Please, Mom," Zia called.
Alara popped her head out of the bathroom door, her hair dripping around her shoulders.Callie thought she looked a little better this morning.Maybe.
"Okay, you can go.But stay close to Callie and do as she asks, okay?"
"I will.I promise I'll be good."
Zia ran to the bathroom door, caught hold of Alara's hand, and kissed the back of it."Love you, Mom.We'll see you soon."
Alara smiled at Callie."You're sure you don't mind?"
"I'm sure.I'm happy to.Take your time.We'll be fine in the cottage, won't we?"
"We will," Zia agreed.
As they walked away from the camper, Zia caught hold of Callie's hand."I knew you were Lady Sunshine, and I was right, wasn't I?"
"I guess so."
Zia twirled around, looking at the trees that loomed over them, blocking most of the light."This place could be dark and scary if you weren't here," she said."But you shine bright and light it up.You make it warm and happy.You're like the sunshine."
Callie's hand came up to cover her heart."Aww.That's such a sweet thing to say."
Zia shrugged."It's the truth."
"What about you, little miss?Do you have your own name?"
It struck Callie that the girl bestowed names on pretty much everyone she met, but she didn't have one of her own.
Zia shrugged again but dropped her gaze."Mom calls me Z," she said after a little while.
"Yeah, I noticed that," said Callie.
