Burden to Bear by Amira Rain Page A

a relationship with that man.”
    Sarah understood completely.  She had learned a lot about Grandfather’s eccentricities after spending the last few weeks in his home.
    “By the way,” she said.  “What is the healer’s real name?”
    “She has no real name,” said Douglas.  “I asked her what I should call her the night I brought you in.”
    “And?”
    “She told me to call her ‘Healer,’” Douglas laughed.  “She was dead serious.”
    “Well, after breakfast, let’s go over and ask her if she wants to keep the cats,” Sarah said.  “They’ll have a better life here on the estate.”  She began scooping eggs into her mouth. “Bet I can finish before you,” she challenged. 
    Douglas needed no other encouragement.  Grandfather cured his own bacon and served it for breakfast every morning.  He wolfed down the remaining food on his plate.
    The walked arm-in-arm to the healer’s cottage, enjoying the beautiful morning. 
    “Sarah, I would like you to come stay with her when Grandfather and I go on our trip this summer,” Douglas said.
    “Oh yes, your annual trip to your chateau,” Sarah remembered.  Then she laughed. “Douglas, is your annual trip just an excuse to shift into a bear and run around naked in the woods and eat berries and grubs?”
    He actually blushed and she laughed louder. 
    “I’m sorry,” she apologized.  “I won’t make fun of your trip again.  But, look, I love my independence.  I’ll be perfectly fine alone for a few weeks in the city.  Besides, what are the odds I’ll meet another snake demon in this lifetime?”
    Douglas knew that she was right.  He let the subject go. 
    The healer was delighted to take permanent responsibility of Chum-Chum and Noodle.
    “She’s becoming a crazy cat lady,” Douglas whispered to Sarah when the healer walked into the next room. Sarah smacked him.
    “Hey, I was a crazy cat lady,” she said.  “They’re good company.”
    She knelt down on the floor and rubbed Chum-Chum’s belly.  “I’m going to miss you,” she said, making kissy faces.  “But I know that you’ll be happier here.”
    “Why don’t you spend some time with them,” Douglas suggested.  “I have a few errands to run for Grandfather.”  He seemed anxious to remove himself from the proximity of the cats.
    “Sure,” said Sarah.  “My babies need some love.”  She settled down on the floor next to Chum-Chum.  The cat purred contentedly.
    Douglas disappeared.  Sarah did not see him again until almost dinnertime. He knocked on the door of the cottage, where Sarah was reading with the cats snuggled around her.  He pulled a bouquet of wild flowers from behind his back.  “For you, dear.”
    Sarah looked up in surprise.  “Thanks!” she said. “You know I love daisies.”
    Douglas held out his hand to lift her up from the floor.  She took it, and as he lifted her, he said, “Dinner awaits.”
    “Oh, with your grandfather?” Sarah asked.
    “No,” Douglas said.  “In the meadow.”
    He led Sarah past the cottages and into the meadow.  The strolled through the long waving grasses until they came upon a picnic blanket lying on a mowed portion of grass.  A picnic basket lay on top of it, stuffed with food. There was also a bottle of champagne and some glasses.
    “What’s this?” Sarah exclaimed in delight. 
    “Dinner,” Douglas said simply. “Sit,” he ordered.
    Sarah did as she was told, and Douglas filled a plate with fried chicken, potato salad, fresh vegetables, fruit, and cheese.  He then filled the two glasses with champagne, and passed one to her.
    “This is decadent,” Sarah said. 
    “Wait till you see dessert,” Douglas warned.
    They ate and chatted and eventually the sun began to set.  Little insects began to chirp.  Sarah noticed a firefly. 
    “Do you see that?” she pointed to the tiny blinking light.  “It’s the first firefly of the season.”
    “With all his brothers and sisters,” Douglas