This is a work of fiction.  It is set in a non-English-speaking
culture; Translation Convention is in effect for the most part.  In an
attempt to keep it feeling bit alien, though, I've `translated' a few
words literally rather than to cultural analogs and left a few more
un`translated'.

----------------

I woke to Derra squalling.  Mom soothed her, but by then I was awake.
With a sigh I got up and went out to get started on my chores.  My last
day as a child, I told myself; enjoy it.  I tried to, but couldn't help
thinking about the morrow and what it would mean.