When I saw it coming over the last ridge of sand dunes early that morning, I was sure we’d found paradise. The large oasis pond reflected the sun while groves of palm trees, heavy with dates next to wild grapes, circled the ring of water. Grass and shrubs and flowers spread like an intricate carpet before formidable mountains in the hazy distance. Familiar black tents dotted the oasis valley, the most welcome sight of all. We quickly rode into camp and when we got to the tent of Abimelech, Horeb’s father, Aunt Judith ran out, her face streaming with tears of relief to see us at last. She wiped at her eyes, laughing at herself, and then clucked her tongue. “Every day I thought we would see you behind us, but never were my prayers answered.” “We had some delays along the way,” I said wearily. “But we’re here now and that’s all that matters.” “You girls are skin and bones,” Judith went on. “We’ll have to feast every night to put you back together again.” Uncle Abimelech eyed my father’s shrinking herd.
