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release from prison. Kenneth was later convicted of stealing the money himself, from his own family’s fund, and served time in jail.
    Hannah was talking now. “I’m very sorry about what you and your family went through because of my father. I can’t explain why he did those things. I’m still embarrassed.”
    â€œNo need. We got the letter you wrote after the trial. It meant a lot to all of us. In fact, my father kept it. But that’s long over now.”
    â€œI hear that your father’s doing great. I’m glad.” Hannah smiled. Bird emerged from her cover and stood beside Hannah, head down. She wanted to get closer to this young woman who had a coyote.
    â€œHi,” said Abby. “My name’s Abby. What’s yours?”
    Bird said nothing, just stared.
    â€œThis is my niece, Alberta,” Hannah interceded. “Eva’s daughter. She was born in Calgary, and my sister named her in memory of the clear air and the smell of pines. We call her Bird.”
    â€œI like both names. Alberta and Bird.” Abby paused thoughtfully. “Birds can fly. They simply open their wings and they’re in a place all their own. Do you do that?”
    Bird said nothing, but studied Abby with interest. I like you, she thought. I think you might understand me. A little.

4
SUNDANCER
    I am apprehensive. I wait to see what the new humans want.
    Hannah invited Abby to stay for breakfast and the younger woman accepted. With Bird tagging along, the three went inside the house and sat at the kitchen table. The buttercup-yellow walls were bathed in morning sunshine and a slight breeze fluttered the gauzy white curtains. They helped themselves to toast and jam, scrambled eggs, a bowl of fruit salad, and steaming coffee.
    It wasn’t long before the talk turned to the new horse.
    â€œBird’s named him, haven’t you, hon?” Hannah looked proudly at her niece.
    â€œWhat did you decide to call him?” Abby leaned forward as she spoke, genuinely interested in what Bird might say. For a moment, Bird considered answering. She quickly changed her mind and focused on her hands, now folded neatly in her lap. Abby didn’t give up. “Oh, you don’t need to be shy with me, Bird. I won’t bite, promise.”
    Bird looked up and saw an open, encouraging smile. She knew she wasn’t being fair, but she just couldn’t help it. She looked to Hannah for assistance.
    â€œIt’s not you, Abby.” Bird heard the note of resignation in
    Hannah’s voice. “She doesn’t speak.”
    â€œAt all?”
    Hannah shook her head. “Not at all. To anyone.”
    â€œWhy not?”
    â€œThat’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it, Bird?” answered Hannah. “The doctors call it “elective mutism,” which basically means that she can speak, she just chooses not to. I’ve heard it called “selective mutism,” too.”
    â€œReally.” Abby’s brow furrowed. Bird saw the look that passed between the two women. Abby felt sorry for Bird and sorry for Hannah. She didn’t understand. No one did. Bird thought about leaving, walking out of the kitchen so Abby and Hannah could talk about her to their hearts’ content. But before she could push her chair back from the table, Abby spoke again.
    â€œI’m sorry you don’t feel like talking, Bird, because I bet you have some interesting things to say. But sometimes, I think I know how you feel. Sometimes quiet is better, right? It gives you a chance to listen.”
    Once again, Abby smiled at her. This time, Bird decided to smile back.
    â€œActually,” said Hannah, “today was a big leap forward. Today, Bird spoke for the first time since she was six. Only one word, but she spoke.”
    â€œAnd what word was that?”
    â€œShe said ‘Sundancer’ when she got on the gelding in the round pen.”
    Abby’s eyes