Fire rushed within me, begging for release. I kept the flames inside my arms and hands. My palms swelled with the pressure. How does Ely know me?“I have to say, I’m shocked to see you here so soon after Zulu’s death.” Ely carried on with his conversation. “But as you showed Santeria on TV last night, you’re dedicated to the Mixie cause.”So that’s how he knows me. My body relaxed. I doused the fire within me, keeping a tiny bit swimming in my bloodstream.“Well, work is the best way to grieve, I’ve always been told.” I forced myself to pull more weeds.“It is the best way.” Ely crawled over to my side and pulled some weeds near me. “What you and your group do for the Mixies is amazing. The whole kitchen staff is excited that you’re here.”Ely pointed beyond the flower tunnel back to the house. A large window outlined by sapphire-colored seashells was on the right. I spotted two Mixie women at the window, waving and smiling like I was a movie star.“I thought it was you at first, but then I said, no way.
