Page 48 - THE BOOK 11 12 2020 8 pm FINAL_Neat

Its hooves look like the milk-taker’s

long and slender and delicate.
I walk forward carefully

and the up-walker touches my coat lightly
bare, peltless hoof warm against my side.

It runs its hoof along my damp, cold flank.
I flinch a little at first, but then relax

since the up-walker calf is not hurting me.

I can tell now that this one is not a predator.

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Jade Moore

Lapis L.A.
Ed. Casey Rosenthal

Dave’s Story

(Takes place in between “INFORMATION” and “SCHOOL CLOTHES”)
Kek do you know why I decided to work with refugees,

Dave asks suddenly.

I shake my head.

Ever since I was a little boy,
just like you Kek, Dave said looking back at me,

I wanted to help people.
My mother was a nurse, so naturally I started off wanting to be a nurse too.

Dave pauses to look at me.
A nurse is like a doctor’s assistant.

I nod to show I understand.
That only lasted a little while because a few months later I came home and told my mom I wanted to be a

firefighter.
Excuse me,

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