Today we spent foraging for supplies in abandoned houses. During the day I kept wondering what I could do or say or give for the girl's birthday. You're not supposed to celebrate festivals when you're mourning, but for pity's sake, it's a thirteen year old's birthday, and there's been a general collapse of society, let her have some joy.

In the afternoon I saw Zion in his front yard tending his jacaranda, and explained my problem. "Have her over, we'll have a party," he said. I thanked him for his generosity, which I could hardly refuse.

So we had a little party, about as festive as you can imagine, with good food and drink. Zarah looked a little unsure of herself, but who could blame her. At one point a thought occurred to me. Had Vered told her about periods, boys and sex?

I went to Flora, and explained. "I don't mind talking about these things, but she might mind... first, it's better for her mother to say it, not her father, saves embarassing her – what teenaged girl wants to talk about her period with her father? Second, as I told you earlier, I just met her a few days ago, so...."

"So you want me to act as her mother?" Flora asked, smiling, "to tell her these things?"