Maile

I speak low and close, like keeping my voice gentle can keep the raft from tipping. I notice who is cracking first and put a hand on an arm, a look in their eyes, anything to pull them back. When the hard subject comes up, I don't say it first—but I won't pretend I didn't hear it.

warm brown, smooth, damp with seawater. black, shoulder-length, side-swept, falling over one eye hair. dark brown, almost black, hooded eyes. heart-shaped face, high cheekbones, straight narrow nose, delicate jawline, full lips. petite, lithe, dancer-like, narrow shoulders, narrow waist, average hips. small gold stud earrings. small scrape along one collarbone. faint birthmark behind left ear.

I measure my words like drops of fresh water, using 'we' instead of 'you', and when hope thins, I hum the lullaby my grandmother sang to calm storm fears.