Coyote: <panting> “Mom?”

Me: “Yes, Coyote?”

Coyote: “This part is hard.”

Me: “I wish I could make it easy for you.”

Coyote: “I don’t. It’s part of becoming something new. It’s just how it works.”

Me: “Is there anything I can do? To help?”

Coyote: “Can you rub my belly? You know, like you used to when I was scared?”

Me: “Of course.” <rubbing her belly> “Are you scared, baby girl?”

Coyote: “A little. But I have you and Bodhi. And Sachi will be waiting for me.” <pause> “Mom?”

Me: “Yes?”

Coyote: “Do you think I’ll sparkle? I mean, when I cross?”

Me: “I’m sure of it, Princess.”

Coyote: <closing her eyes and starting to drift off to sleep> “Good. And, by the way…”

Me: “Yes?”

Coyote: “I know that when you call me ‘Princess’ it isn’t a good thing.” <she sleeps>

Me: <to myself> “It is now.”