Leelo’s eyes widened, but she didn’t respond; she was afraid any reaction would frighten Sage back into her shell. This was the first time she’d ever revealed something so personal, and Leelo held her breath, hoping she’d say more.

“Isola was fine before him,” Sage continued. “She was free and happy, just like us. And now it’s like part of her died along with Pieter.”

“But maybe it’s worth it,” Leelo ventured after a moment. “To feel a love like that.”

Sage stiffened beside her, and Leelo was afraid she’d pushed her too far. “How can it be love, if it kills you?”

Leelo thought of her mother, of her quiet resolve and steadfastness. Of Tate, who only wanted to love and be loved in return. If the knowledge that she had people like that in her life made Leelo less afraid, then more love could only be a good thing. “I don’t think love kills you. Not often, anyway. Love makes people stronger.”

“I don’t think my mother ever really loved my father, and she’s the strongest woman I know,” Sage said defensively.

Leelo was quiet for a long time, but finally, she worked up the nerve to roll toward her cousin. “I want to tell you something, but I’m afraid you’ll be angry.”

Sage softened and reached out, placing her hand on Leelo’s shoulder. “You’re my best friend, Lo. You can tell me anything. Even if it’s about that man by the shore.”

Leelo rolled onto her back again. Sage was too perceptive sometimes. “I saw him save a bird that fell into the lake. He tried to, anyway. But it was already dead. He buried it.”

“So?”

Leelo sat up and looked down at Sage. “If outsiders are so terrible, if all they want is to destroy our Forest, why would he make the effort to bury a hatchling?”

“Don’t tell me you were protecting that boy just because of a stupid bird,” Sage moaned. “Do I think that some outsiders are better than others? Of course. Saints know that some islanders are better than others.”

“But your mother hates all of them.”

Now Sage sat up, her voice hardening. “You don’t know anything about my mother.”

“Then tell me,” Leelo said. “Why does she hate the outsiders so much?”

Sage stared at her for a moment, as if she might have something to say, but instead she lay back down and rolled away from Leelo. “Just go to sleep. We’re on the early shift tomorrow.”