1.2

    “What?” Heron blurted. He looked at his parents, and they just looked back at him. He turned to Godmother Keri. “What do you mean?” he insisted.

    Keri stared back at Heron levelly. Without turning her head, she slid her eyes to his parent’s faces, then back to Heron. “You haven’t told him, then?”

    Heron’s father started to answer, but was cut off immediately by a gesture from Keri. “That’s all right.” she said calmly. “I never expected you to.”

    “Tell me what?” Heron insisted, unintentionally speaking louder and looking from his Godmother to his parents. “Ma-”

    “Heron, shh.” His mother said softly. “Listen to Godmother Keri. You did want to explain, didn’t you?” She addressed that last part to Keri, who nodded.

    “Yes. Listen to me, Heron. Your parents... I had heard of them, but never met them before 13 years ago. But they were recommended to me. I’m your godmother because I rescued you as an infant and brought you here for them to adopt.” Keri paused to see if Heron needed some time to think it over.