Gathering The Wanderer's Heart

Finally Rafael, his father, and his grandfather made it to the meadow.

The Wanderer's Heart flowers were in full bloom, the white petaled flowers actually seemed to sparkle in the moonlight.

Beautiful flowers, Rafael thought. just like Lisa.

"Come on," Vito Junior said. "let's get to work, we don't have much time!"

Rafael nodded, "Right," he said as he started to work.

"And be careful," Vito Senior reminded. "these flowers are very delicate, so pick them the way I showed you or you'll destroy more than you harvest."

"We remember, Father." Vito Junior said.

The three men worked fast and when they finally had enough blossoms, Vito Senior sprinkled some Wanderer's Heart seeds onto the earth, "Always give as much to nature as you take!" he reminded his son and grandson.

The three Romani turned and headed back the way they came, hoping getting back would be a lot easier than getting there.

Back in Lisa's bedroom the next day, Simon and Desi looked down at Lisa.

Desi was sitting on the edge of the bed with her arms wrapped around herself.

Simon was standing part way behind Desi.

"Simon, tell me Lisa will be alright," Desi said. "I mean, the thought of her not being around Pine Hollow..."

"Desi," Simon said, stopping her mid-sentence as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "you can't think like that! Keep telling yourself, Lisa's gonna make it!"

Desi nodded and seemed to be whispering that to herself a couple of times as Simon sat down next to her.

"How could Rafael let this happen?" Desi asked, her eyes beginning to fill with anger.

"Easy, Desi," Simon said. "Rafael didn't let this happen, and there's really no way he could've predicted how far Romina would be willing to go."

"I know, I guess I'd just feel better if I had someone to punch for this!" Desi sighed.

"I may be just as on edge as you are, Desi, but Lisa would not want us giving up on her!" Simon said gently.

Simon smiled a little at Desi's temper, then he suddenly felt very nervous when Desi laid her head on her shoulder.

"Thanks for being here, Simon." Desi said.

"You're welcome." Simon said but he was so nervous his voice actually squeaked.

Desi bit her lip to keep from laughing.

Back with Vito Senior, Vito Junior, and Rafael, they finally made their way back to Willow Creek with all the Wanderer's Heart blossoms that they could carry.