The sky was still dark, just beginning to glow in the east. Cool without my shawl, I wrapped my arms around myself and followed her to the back. We hadn't discussed my gift since I'd proved it the day before; I wondered if she'd blocked it out entirely.Especially when she produced two buckets I'd never seen, blackened on the inside and graying on the out. I took the one she handed to me, peering down into it. "Did you want me to fetch water?""I've got some. Stuff the bottom of that with some straw, and don't lose the stopper." Her instructions seemed like nonsense, and though I did as I was told, I had to ask, "What is this for?""Soaping," she said.As the morning grew steadily brighter, my fog cleared. "I could go to town and fetch soap if you forgot it."With a snort, Birdie said, "I'm not made of money, duck."The little bag that she cut open puffed, as if it were full of smoke. But when she came closer, I realized it was full of ashes. My nose twitched when Birdie dumped it on top of the straw.
