S ara’s home is like her head: filled with interesting clutter and distraction. Aster looks around but Sara is not there. She follows the sound of baby Abraham into the garden.

Abraham at her feet Sara stands holding a Y-shaped willow switch each hand grasping one side of the fork the rest of the branch extending before her like an arrow.

“Sara?”

Sara nods her acknowledgment but doesn’t speak.

“What are you doing?” Aster asks.

“Finding water. Hush.”

Sara holds the branch before her and closes her eyes. She takes a step forward the branch wobbles in her hand. Sara whips around. “Water! That’s the sign there’s water beneath the soil.”

Aster bends down strokes Abraham’s cheek. “Why do you need more water?” There is a well in the small shared courtyard. All the families whose homes are arrayed around the courtyard use this well and pay a small fee to keep it in good repair.

“Elisha. He thinks that if we have our own well we can save a few coins.”

Aster points downward. There’s a little dip in the ground. When Sara stepped forward the ground was uneven and so the switch wobbled in her hands.

Sara gives an elaborate sigh and drops the willow branch. “Ah well. He’ll have to paint a few more gaming cards eh?” She takes Abraham from Aster’s arms. “So how do you fare?”

Aster hesitates. “Actually I need advice.”

Sara makes a face. “From me?”

“About Clara.”

Sara sinks down in the shade of the orange tree Aster sits beside her. With her fingers she traces the roots that skim close to the surface. “If this tree is thriving there must be water. Follow the roots.”

“What about Clara?”

“She wants to marry.”

“Clara? What about you? You’re what how many years older?”

The same tremulousness that choking inside.

“Five.”

Sara picks up a handful of orange blossom and sprinkles it over Aster’s head.

“Why do you not marry?”

“Please Sara.”

Sara nods knowingly. “Jocef.” She looks at Aster. “Correct?”

Aster hesitates then nods.

Sara looks around her and her smile suddenly vanishes. “Aster I can’t offer you much advice — apart from perhaps watch me and do the opposite. But still if you seek my advice don’t ever marry against the wishes of your family — or his. Nothing good will come of it.” (Excerpted from Family First Issue 547)