Maggie sits in the old tavern, amongst friends. The only spirits in the place, in the place with the endless celebration, are those that swirl around them, little tornadoes of light, laughter, love and grace. She reaches out and touches one, is lit up, feels her littlebigwomandaughter/mother and knows the love by heart. The sensation is one of satiation: full and fed. With the same light, laughter, love and grace. She was peaceful the moment she left. She is at peace when she touches the spirit she knows is in Bernice. Her girl is rich, rich with possibility and lifeforce. It fills Maggie and the room and everyone is awed for a moment while it passes through and over them. Her girl is filled with feelings that Maggie only gets to feel now, in this place.

She feelhears clatter and clapping as someone enters the bar. It's Kokhom, dressed for ceremony. With some red heels on, to boot.

And, ready to dance.

-- from Birdie, debut novel by Tracey Lindberg, Prologue ("Where She Is Now -- When She Made Two Journeys: It starts from here"), p. 1

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