The Silver Moon of Summer

by Leila Howland

  A little farther along there were a couple of horses, also behind a fence, though they could have definitely jumped it if they wanted to escape. As Zinnie looked around, she couldn’t imagine what horse would want to run away from this place. She read about the horses. There was a mare and a stallion, Stella and George, and according to the sign they were very much in love. Zinnie smiled to herself, wondering if this was another secret message from Max.

  “Zinnie, there’s the bison!” Lily said, interrupting Zinnie’s musings. Zinnie looked beyond another, bigger chicken coop to a fenceless pasture, where a regal bison grazed. He was, Zinnie thought, the most majestic creature she’d ever seen.

  “You’re supposed to go look him in the eye, right?” Lily asked.

  “Yep,” Zinnie said, and together they walked toward him. It was kind of crazy that he was the only animal who didn’t have a fence around him. Her heart quickened in her chest as they walked closer. This was definitely an adventure. The owners of Featherbrook Farm wouldn’t just . . . leave a bison here if he was an attack bison, would they?

  Lily stopped in her tracks.

  “Aren’t you coming?” Zinnie asked. It wasn’t like her seven-year-old sister could save her from a bison, but she somehow felt stronger with Lily beside her.

  “I’ll come say hi once you’ve had a chance to meet him,” Lily said.

  Zinnie took two steps forward and then came back for Lily. “You’re coming with me.”

  “Let’s sing to him,” Lily said. “So he knows how nice we are.”

  “Good idea,” Zinnie said. Holding hands, the two of them approached the bison singing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” When they were about ten feet away, the bison lifted his head and looked at them.

  “Hello?” Zinnie said, making eye contact. “Do you have a message for me?”

  He stared back at her with the biggest, sweetest, brownest eyes Zinnie had ever seen. Zinnie felt something melt inside her as she realized this giant creature was nothing but love. Kind, gentle love! A monarch butterfly fluttered around his ears. Maybe the message was that she didn’t have to be afraid of her very big feelings for Max.

  “He’s so sweet,” Zinnie whispered.

  “I really do wish I had a bison for a pet,” Lily said, tilting her head and leaning on Zinnie.

  “Me too,” Zinnie said.

  Just then the bison grunted. Lily and Zinnie froze for a moment.

  “I think he’s just saying hi?” Lily said, stepping slowly backward.

  He grunted again.

  “Uh . . . let’s get out of here,” Zinnie said, and the two of them turned around and ran back to their bikes. The bison hadn’t followed them, so they were laughing like crazy at how silly they were to be scared. “I loved that bison,” Zinnie said as she got back on her bike.

  “I really want to pet one of these chickens before we leave,” Lily said. “Do you think there’s one in that chicken house right there?”

  “You could check,” Zinnie suggested, glancing at the small structure that resembled a doghouse. Lily took a few steps toward it when a huge goose emerged, squawking and flapping its wings.

  “Aaaaah!” Lily cried, running toward her bike again, the goose on her heels.

  “Scram!” Zinnie shouted at the goose to distract it while she struggled to get a hold of her bike. Thinking quickly, she grabbed a stick and pointed at the angry goose. “Get out of here! Go on!”

  “It’s the attack goose!” Lily said as she caught her balance and started to ride.

  The bird then turned its attention to Zinnie, nipping at the bike as Zinnie pushed off the ground and pedaled furiously. The two sisters biked as fast as they could out of the driveway. By the time they reached the bridge, their fear had transformed into giddiness, but they kept riding—not even pausing for drinks of water—until they were back at Aunt Sunny’s, where they were certain the attack goose would never darken the doorway.

  28 • The Fun Fourteenth

  “Okay, are you all ready?” Aunt Sunny asked the girls, opening the back of the station wagon. She placed her canvas duffel inside the car and pushed it to the side to make room for the girls’ backpacks.

  Having spent the morning packing for their overnight trip, they enjoyed a delicious lunch of roast beef sandwiches with a butter lettuce salad from Aunt Sunny’s garden and fresh cherries for dessert. After they’d washed their dishes, the girls grabbed their backpacks and headed toward the car. While Tony strapped the canoe to the top of the station wagon, Lily climbed into the backseat. Zinnie and Marigold both went for the front.

  “Shotgun!” Zinnie called, grabbing the door handle.

  “It’s my fun fourteenth,” Marigold said, and Zinnie released her hand and backed away. Even though she was mad from having been excluded from the sailing trip, she reminded herself that this was Marigold’s big day and she was going to have to let her sister have her way for the next twenty-four hours, especially if they wanted to keep their no-fighting promise. Zinnie climbed into the back with Lily.

  “I hope it doesn’t rain,” Lily said, pointing to some clouds in the distance.

  “Me too,” Aunt Sunny said as she turned on the engine.

  “Let me put this in the back for you,” Zinnie said, taking Lily’s backpack and placing it in the wayback. It was heavy. “What’s in here, Lily?”

  “My bathing suit, a towel, clothes, a headlamp, jars for collecting insects and stuff, one of Aunt Sunny’s microscopes, a scientific notebook, a magnifying glass, and bug repellant. Oh, and my toothbrush,” Lily said proudly.

  “You certainly won’t starve,” Tony said as he loaded the cooler.

  “I brought hot dogs for tonight,” Aunt Sunny said.

  “And stuff for s’mores?” Zinnie asked.

  “Would it even be a camping trip if we didn’t have s’mores?” Aunt Sunny asked.

  “Nope,” Marigold said.

  “I love s’mores!” Lily said.

  “See you later, girls!” Tony said, and blew them a kiss. Aunt Sunny honked her horn, and they were off.

  Aunt Sunny drove down the driveway, past the little town, and then took a left over a bridge they hadn’t been on before, playing the girls old songs she had listened to with her sisters when they’d gone on their fun fourteenths. About ten minutes later, Aunt Sunny parked her car in a small parking lot near a beach with pebbles.

  “This is the Pruet River,” Aunt Sunny said, and they all climbed out of the car.

  Those clouds in the distance didn’t seem to be going anywhere, but the afternoon sun was warm. Together, they untied the canoe from the top of the car and lowered it into the water. They placed the cooler in the canoe and then loaded in the tent, sleeping bags, and the tarp. Aunt Sunny walked right into the water with her sport sandals and then helped the girls get into the canoe safely.

  After a brief lesson from Aunt Sunny (even though Zinnie already knew all about canoeing), they paddled up the river toward Kettle Island, named so because it was shaped a little like a teakettle. Aunt Sunny told them they were going to sleep in the very same place where she and her sisters had stargazed so many years before.

  The river was quiet and peaceful. The only people they passed were a few kayakers.

  “I didn’t even know about this river,” Zinnie said. She was learning so many new things about Pruet on this vacation. It was amazing how many treasures this tiny place contained.

  Aunt Sunny taught them some camp songs, which the sisters sang hopelessly off-key, and when they arrived at Kettle Island an hour later, they paddled close to the shore. Aunt Sunny climbed out and guided the canoe onto the beach. Zinnie directed them to set up camp right away, which was what she’d learned in her wilderness safety camp.

  “But I want to swim in the river,” Marigold said.

  “Camp needs to be the priority,” Zinnie said. “Especially if Lily turns out to be right about the rain.”

  “Zinnie, you’re really thinking ahead,” Aunt Sunny sai
d. “And you’re right. It’s a lot harder to pitch a tent in the rain.”

  “Fine,” Marigold said with a huff. “Tell me what to do.”

  “First things first, we lay the tarp,” Zinnie said.

  As soon as the tent was up and the stakes were in the ground to Zinnie’s satisfaction, they changed into their suits and went for a swim. Swimming in a river was so different from a dip in the ocean. The water was softer and felt clean and brisk. They splashed and played until Aunt Sunny said it was time to prepare for the festivities.

  “We need to gather some firewood,” Aunt Sunny said.

  “I can do that,” Zinnie said. “Since I know what kind of wood will burn the best.”

  “Very well,” Aunt Sunny said. “Someone else needs to collect wildflowers. Enough to weave a crown.”

  “I want that to be my job!” Lily said.

  “Perfect,” Aunt Sunny said. “Off you go. Marigold, you can find sticks that we can roast our marshmallows on.”

  “Got it,” Marigold said.

  “I’ll get some stones for skipping,” Aunt Sunny said, heading toward the river. “Then we’ll meet back here by the tent.”

  “They have to be green sticks,” Zinnie said to Marigold. “Otherwise, they’ll just burn.”

  “Thanks for the tip,” Marigold said. Zinnie could feel the tension growing between them. Don’t fight, she reminded herself, and went in search of dry wood.

  Once they had gathered their supplies and Aunt Sunny had created a crown of wildflowers, Zinnie built a campfire and Aunt Sunny struck a match to light it.

  “The tradition,” Aunt Sunny began as they sat around the fire, “is that we take a moment to honor Marigold’s childhood—all the qualities she’s exhibited to bring her to this point. Then we place a ring of flowers on her head to celebrate who she is right now. And after that we’ll each throw a stone into the river with a wish for her young adulthood.”

  “I’m not an adult yet,” Marigold said. “I don’t think I’m ready for that.”

  “But isn’t that why you don’t want me hanging out with you anymore?” Zinnie asked. “Because I’m not old enough? I’m not in high school?”

  “Wait,” Lily said. “Are you guys fighting?”

  “No,” Marigold said to Lily. “And, Zinnie, I’m just trying to make a friend at the school where I don’t know anyone.”

  Aunt Sunny said nothing, though she listened to them thoughtfully. Zinnie reminded herself yet again that she had promised not to fight.

  “We supposed to be honoring Marigold, Zinnie!” Lily said, her eyes wide with warning. “How about you say something that you love about Marigold first.”

  “Good idea,” Zinnie said, and took a breath. “Marigold is a very talented actress. And I’m proud of her going to Performing Arts Magnet.”

  “I’m proud of her for sticking to her dreams, even when the going gets tough,” Aunt Sunny said. “And I’d also like to say, I love how much she cares for those around her. She did a terrific job at my wedding last year, making sure that everything was just perfect for me.”

  “I love that Marigold is a good big sister,” Lily said. “She always makes sure I’m wearing sunscreen and that I don’t forget my lunch.”

  “Thank you,” Marigold said as Aunt Sunny placed the crown of flowers on her head. “This feels pretty nice, actually!”

  “As it should,” Aunt Sunny said, and gave Marigold a hug. Then she handed each sister a smooth, flat stone. “Now we’ll go down to the river and make a wish for Marigold’s future.”

  They all walked to the river’s edge.

  “I wish that Marigold has fun at Performing Arts Magnet,” Zinnie said, and skipped her stone across the flat surface of the water.

  “I wish that Marigold marries Peter,” Lily said, casting her stone into the river.

  “And I wish that Marigold returns to Pruet year after year, always discovering a bit more of herself when she does,” Aunt Sunny said, and pulled Marigold close to her. That’s when they heard the voices.

  “Look, someone’s coming toward us!” Zinnie said. She peered out into the distance. “Another canoe with four people in it. And they’re waving at us!”

  Zinnie waved back.

  “Oh my goodness,” Aunt Sunny said.

  “Who is it?” Marigold asked.

  “I hope they’re friendly,” Lily said.

  “I think they are,” Aunt Sunny said. Zinnie saw the mischievous glint in Aunt Sunny’s eyes.

  “Wait a second. Is that Tony?” Zinnie asked.

  “Yes,” Aunt Sunny said, laughing. “It’s Tony and some friends.”

  “Who?” Marigold asked.

  “I thought about what you said, Marigold,” Aunt Sunny said. “About how traditions can grow and change. Your fun fourteenth should be just that—fun!”

  “Really?” Marigold asked. Zinnie watched the approaching canoe and tried to make out who was inside. “Is that . . . Jean?”

  “And Peter is with them too!” Lily said.

  Even though Zinnie was happy to see Jean, Tony, and Peter, she’d kind of hoped it was people she’d never met before. Then she’d have another extraordinary adventure to write about for her blog. Maybe it would be a family of travelers, living off the land, with stories to tell.

  “We brought extra chocolate bars!” Jean called.

  “I thought this would be a good compromise,” Aunt Sunny said as Tony and the others hopped out of the canoe and dragged it onto the shore. “If there’s anything you girls have taught me, it’s that I need to keep an open mind and let traditions evolve.”

  29 • The Not-So-Fun Fourteenth

  This is perfect, Marigold said to herself as they all gathered around the campfire and roasted s’mores. She knew this was supposed to be a sisters-only trip, and she’d really enjoyed wearing the crown of flowers, but she was so, so happy to see Peter. Now it felt like a party.

  The best part was that Peter was sitting next to her right now, and their knees were touching. Everything was falling into place. She’d finally had a chance to get to know Chloe on the sail—she knew Chloe would love it—and now it seemed like she and Peter were back on track for a kiss.

  “Looks like the weather’s going to hold up for us after all,” Aunt Sunny said as the clouds parted and a big, round moon revealed itself and shone down upon the water. It looked like it was made of dented silver.

  As soon as they’d arrived, Jean, Mack, and Peter set up their tent and Tony set up another one, which was for Aunt Sunny and him. “That way the sisters can hang out together!” Tony had said. “I have two daughters, and I know they used to love staying up all night and giggling.”

  Marigold smiled tightly. Zinnie had said nice things about her during the ceremony, but Marigold wasn’t sure if she was just saying them for Aunt Sunny’s sake or if she really meant them. Ever since she’d asked her for some time alone with Chloe, Zinnie had been distant. Marigold guessed that was what she had asked for—distance. And she’d gotten it. They were doing a good job not fighting. They were able to stop just short of it, but the one problem with not fighting was that the air stayed full of tension—even the clean, quiet air by the river.

  “Happy birthday,” Peter said. He removed the most perfectly toasted marshmallow from his stick and handed it to Marigold.

  “Thanks,” Marigold said, smiling. She had her graham crackers and chocolate ready for the marshmallow. When Peter smiled at her, she felt like her heart was part toasted marshmallow, sweet and gooey on the inside.

  “You’ve gotten really good at sailing,” Peter said as Marigold took a bite of the best s’more she’d ever had.

  “I’ve been practicing,” Marigold said.

  “Peter has some good news,” Jean said.

  “Don’t jinx us, Mom,” Peter said, curving the bill of his baseball hat.

  “Sorry,” Jean said. “It’s just that he’s managed to sail quite a bit, despite Mr. Rathbone’s production schedule and Vince
’s brush with Hollywood. . . .”

  “And he and Vince made record time around the course today,” Mack said.

  “That’s great,” Marigold said. “I knew you could do it!”

  “That’s just me and Vince, though,” Peter said. “The rest of the team has hardly sailed at all.”

  “Not everyone has your work ethic,” Jean said.

  “Shh!” Lily said. “I see a turtle.”

  “Where?” asked Marigold, knowing that keen observation was one of Lily’s special talents. When it came to nature, she practically had an extra set of eyes. She was often able to see things that others didn’t, like a grasshopper hidden among green weeds, or a worm burrowing into the earth, or a birds’ nest tucked way into a branch. Apparently this was just as true for the nighttime as it was for the daytime.

  “Look, right there,” Lily said, pointing to what looked like a rock. “Do you see it, Aunt Sunny?”

  “I do, my dear. Oh my goodness, I believe it’s a diamondback terrapin,” Aunt Sunny said as the rocklike creature moved.

  Lily tiptoed over to investigate. She kept a distance from the little creature. Unlike other kids who rushed to touch animals, Lily seemed to be able to sense whether or not they wanted to be touched.

  “I haven’t seen a diamondback terrapin in years,” Tony said.

  “They are known to be very elusive creatures,” Aunt Sunny said. “They were harvested into near extinction.”

  “What did people do with them?” Marigold asked.

  “Turned them into soup,” Tony said.

  Lily gasped. “What? No! What kind of a monster would eat turtle soup?”

  “Lots of folks,” Tony said.

  “It’s such a shame,” Jean said, shaking her head.

  “I bet those Hollywood people would eat endangered turtle soup,” Peter said.

  “No they wouldn’t,” Lily said. “My parents make Hollywood movies, and they would never eat endangered turtle soup.”

  “Technically, they’re threatened,” Aunt Sunny said. “Though if we aren’t vigilant, they’ll soon become endangered.”