Page 36 of Sweet Dominion

But I was paralyzed by the weight of my sorrow, my mind reeling from the loss.

Obviously knowing the battle within me, Moni let go of my hands, grabbed my waist, and pulled me close to her, holding me together when I felt like I was about to shatter into a million pieces.

God. . .help me.

Her body was soft and warm against mine. “We’ll get through this together. I love you, Lei, and I’m here for you.”

Moni’s touch grounded me.

Her warmth seeped into my bones. “I’m so sorry, Lei. What do you need from me?”

The tightness in my chest slowly loosened. I hugged her back, needing her more than I’d ever needed another human being in my life.

Through the haze of my grief, a memory surfaced.

Sharp and clear.

It was a sunny afternoon and Yan and I were little kids running through this very garden.

Yan had made this blue wooden sword that morning and when she was done. . .she had grabbed me to play with her.

That afternoon, I chased her around apple and peach trees.

“Catch me if you can, Lei!” She giggled, wagging the sword in the air. “If you catch me then you will be the Mountain Master.”

Laughing, I did my best to get her with my tiny legs.

Always quick, she darted away from me and rushed around the tree with ease. This must have gone on for several minutes but eventually, I caught her.

“Got you!”

Giggling, she fell to the ground. “Good job!”

Out of breath, I bent over and grabbed the sword. “Now, I’m the Mountain Master.”

Still laying on the grass, she widened her eyes. “You are.”

I slashed the air with the sword. “All must obey me!”

Yan giggled. “What will be your first law?”

“That we rule together!” I drove the sword in the air. “Mountain Master and Mountain Mistress!”

Widening her eyes, Yan jumped up and started doing a silly dance. “Yay!”

“No one will beat us!”

“No one!” She twirled, flinging her arms out wide and whooping with joy as she began spinning faster and faster. “Hear that, everyone? We'll rule you together!”

Her laughter echoed around the garden as she fell into a heap on the grass and her chest heaved with exertion.

But then I stared down at the sword. “We need two of these, if we’re going to rule. Will you help me make one?”

“We don’t need two swords, silly.” She got back off the ground. “We’ll just share this one.”

I stared back at her, thinking she was the smartest person ever.

“Okay, Yan. You’re right.” I gave her the sword. “We’ll share.”

---