67

“That was wonderful, Kai,” I told him. “Your mother told you that story?”

He nodded.

Frankie patted Kai on the back of his shoulder. “I never would’ve guessed you had it in you, Kai.”

He chuckled even as he rubbed the spot she’d hit him. “Yeah, well, my heart just about dropped when I was done, and you all were so quiet.”

“It just took a minute to sink in,” I said, reaching over to pat his leg. “That was beautifully told, Kai. Thank you.”

He blushed as he rubbed the back of his head. “I’m glad to hear everyone enjoyed it.”

Kai’s story had helped many of us relax, and I saw that most of our people looked less devastated. Even those who had been sobbing only minutes ago had hopeful smiles as they looked at each other. The story had been the perfect thing to boost morale.

Yet, I felt like an additional weight had settled on my shoulders. The story reminded me of the dream my mother had given me. She’d warned me about the battle that was soon to come, but I still wasn’t sure what my role