Trust who . . .

      Dweller approached Traveler’s cottage carrying Mal-Nai.  The wedge greeted him and took Mal-Nai inside to her room.  Her wounds were cleaned and re-bandaged as Wee-One and Nom-Mee eagerly waited outside.
      Wee-One asked Dweller, “Is she OK?  Please tell us something.”
      “Yes, please, tell us.  How is she doing?” asked Nom-Mee.
     “She had a difficult time.  Poppie had to come to help her.  She needed a new heart,” said Dweller.
      “Her name is now Lan-Oea,” said Wee-One and Nom-Mee.
Nom-Mee said, “Lan-Oea will need the new heart to help her for the rough journey ahead.  She is stronger than all of us, even after all we have been through.  I doubt she will want to quit like the rest of us.  Her heart will keep her strong.”  Wee-One and Nom-Mee crept into Mal-Nai’s room.  The wedge could not believe all three were in the same room.  Wee-One had been growing weaker, but with the arrival of Mal-Nai she found strength she did not know she had.
      Traveler sought out Mal-Nai to confirm she was indeed who she said she was.  “You still doubt our identities,” said Nom-Mee.  “You are tasked with our protection and yet, you fail to trust your own heart.  How are we to trust you with our heart?  How long have we worked to trust ourselves?  Now, we must work to trust you, as well?”