I’m back at the apple tree with Mani tied to my chest and picking some of our favorite treats when the pains start. I knew today when I woke and saw my cycle had started that it would happen, but I still held hope it was just a dream. It was not.
I gather my things and walk back home, grabbing the two ripe blackberries on the bush to offer Hel and Frigga. There’s a small red berry on a plant on the ground and I grab it, too. It’s probably too late, but I don’t know what else to do.
Mani and I make it back to the house where Anders is outside, carefully caring for the animals. He smiles at me and waves me over, but I ignore him and go inside, not saying a word.
I place my items on the table and pull Mani out of the cloth before climbing into the bed with her, holding her close to
