"Mom?" I still couldn't believe it. I wasn't sure weither I wanted to run up and hug her, or burst out into tears, or what. I had a million emotions running through me, and so many things I wanted to say, but, instead, I found myself glued in place. I could only stare, and hold back my tears. "Mom..." I uttered it quietly. She nodded, or rather, her spirit nodded, as if expecting this reaction. I shook my head to try and clear it. "I... I... I didn't expect to see you again... why are you here? Why am I here? Where is this???" All of the questions came pouring out in a jumble and she waved her ands lightly.

"Kate, one question at a time." She took a step towards me. "I'll tell you what you want to know, but first.. " She looked at me. "Are you happy in Windia? I've been watching over you..."

I nodded. "I've missed you." I felt the tears returning. She smiled, and came up to me and hugged me. I tried to sniff back my tears but felt one run down my cheek. Suddenly I felt like just a little child again, and it seemed like I was back in our old home, sitting on mothers lap as she told me about stories. It felt odd, but for a moment I forgot about Frank and Philemon. I looked at my mom again. "Why did you leave?" I shook my head. I must have sounded like a yound child, unable to grasp the consept of death, but it was the only thing I could manage to say. My mother smiled at me.

"Don't worry about that, every thing happens for a reason. Kate, don't worry about me and look to your future, there will be a lot more you must deal with, and not all of it will be good."

I suddenly thought back to what Tellka had told me yesterday. "..but sooner or later there is going to be a time when I can't help you..." I blinked. I hadn't realized it then, but she had ment something by that. What... what did you mean? I knew she wasn't here, I could feel it inside me. I knew she wouldn't answer me.

My mother looked at me like she knew exactly what I was thinking. "Tellka has her own part to play in destiny, Kate, as do you." I glanced up at her again.

"What do you mean?"

"You'll find out in time.. But for now you have other things to think about." She motioned to Frank. I had completely forgetten about him.

"Oh yea." I said quietly. "But.. how is it you know so much?"

My mother shook her head. "What I have been told doesn't matter"

"What do you mean it doesn't matter? This has to do with me.. Why won't you tell me?"

She just shook her head again and looked at me patiently. "Just wait, Kate. It will all make sense later, I promise."

I looked down at the floor for a moment. "Alright but.." I looked back up at my mother. I was thinking of all the things I wanted to tell her, or ask her. I remembered what it was like when she was still alive and we had been living together in our little home in the woods. I remembered the night when we were.. I almost began crying again. I didn't know what to say. I hadn't seen her and now I could and.. I just didn't know what to say. "Mom" I sniffed, and for lack of anything better. "I've missed you..." I hugged her spirit and did my best to hold back the tears. It felt like forever, but, finally, I let go and looked over at Frank to see if we could go back to Windia. Tellka must be worried... I began to wonder just how we were going to explain this to her...

e-mail author, talonr@hotmail.com