Put on your undies before your shoes.

Get wet.

Think carefully.

Wear a white shirt.

Beware of small women.

Spread magic.

 

 

Everyone felt better when Wonk was near. Her magic stuck to them. They found specks of it when they emptied their pockets, or cleaned the filter on the clothes dryer.

The wise ones put the leftover magic in a matchbox, to save it for a rainy day. They’d shake a little out, the clouds would clear and the sun would shine again.

 

Wear colour.

Keep an eye out.

Would she show up? Of course she would, she always did. Meanwhile the sun felt good on his skin and this was a nice place to be.

As these days passed, Armeen began to understand more and more of what the kids around him called out. The sound of them playing around the pool, splashing, laughing, shouting calmed him somehow.

“Are we ready for our lesson?” Peggy was smiling.

Yes, always!”

“I brought you something delicious. Do you know the word for this?”, she held up a donut.

All at once he was flooded with such happiness, such joy. Of course he had no idea what it was called, but he knew she would tell him and that he would learn. So much sureness, safety and calm.

“A ring-cake?” said Armeen, and they both laughed.

 

Be resolute.

 

She wasn’t angry precisely, just tired of being nice all day. She would never, EVER get married…ever.

“Can’t you smile a little? For your big brother?”

“No”.

“But the photographer wants a family picture. All of us.”

I’m never getting married, she said in her head. They can all go jump.

Get some help.