Page 12 of Big Island Horizons
Rory crossed her arms and tapped one foot impatiently while Lani took their dishes to the sink.
“Go put something on over your swimsuit.”
“But I want Lulu and Kiki to see!”
“They’ll see it when you swim, but if you start the day in that you’ll freeze. Go on.”
Rory went and did as she was told (with no small amount of grumbling).
Lani changed for work, then picked up her phone to check if any of the kids in the co-op needed a ride to the beach park.
The message she found waiting there chilled her to the bone.
It was from an unknown number. A picture of her standing in the window of Haumona Shave Ice. She was smiling, handing a bowl to a customer who had their back to the camera.
You always looked good in green, babe.
A cold fear settled over Lani.
It could only be Zeke.
He was on the island.
5
‘Olena
“And we’ll still be able to use this space for the weekly food kitchen?” Linda asked. Instead of her usual bun, she wore her hair in a long braid down her back. It moved back and forth as she worked, reminding ‘Olena of a silvery fish.
“Of course. We’re working to keep New Horizons open for the whole community, not only my homeschool co-op.”
“Then you can count me in.”
“Great, thank you.”
‘Olena crossed the open-air kitchen and tapped her cousin on the shoulder. Lani jumped in surprise and spun around to face her.
“Oh.” She calmed slightly when her eyes landed on ‘Olena, and she put a hand to her heart. “It’s you.”
“What’s going on with you?”
“Nothing. You startled me, that’s all.” She looked back across the lawn at the playground. “I was just watching Rory on the swings.”
“Right… Hey, have you seen the napkins?”
“What?” Lani asked, still looking at her daughter.
“The napkins. Where did you put them?”
“Oh. I think they’re still in the truck.” She blinked and tore her attention away from the kids. “I’ll go grab them.”
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yeah. Sure. I’m fine.”
‘Olena frowned as she watched her cousin walk away. Lani had been jumpy all morning, but she wouldn’t say why. Maybe when they had a minute alone, she could find out what was going on with her. The bustling activity of the soup kitchen had her feeling slightly on edge herself.
“Where do you want the‘ulupotato salad, Mrs. Rasmussen?” Tara asked.
