The Face the Boy Loved Most

Crawford's reward began to rush him. As if she somehow came from above her it had been there right along, too bright to see. Whatever, suddenly a girl stood clear and tall by his father. The single sight both boy and man could watch from then on. Crawford thought he was brave enough to say her name. At least he felt the powerful need. Let her hear his voice and then just laugh and call him Dub or Strata last time. But before he stoked his courage for that, her face turned gradually in his direction, and all but smiledBefore she faced his father again, closed his eyes with two long hands, and like the mother she once had been,