Grey > Alma

The Truth Comes Out

About an hour later, lunch was ready and had been served. When Riya was offered some, her face crumpled and she turned away, much like Miss Avocet had. Except she could reply. "No, thank you."

Miss Avocet have her a little disapproving nip. Riya gave her an appraising glance. She picked up the dropper. "I will if you will."

A few minutes after the children were permitted to go play, Jake walked in.

Miss Peregrine had been washing dishes and she looked up to see him. Wiping her hands on her apron, she turned to greet him. "Jake, you're back. How wonderful!"

Jake looked at Riya who didn't even spare him a glance. She was still giving Miss Avocet some water from the dropper. "Dad was freaking when we got back to the Priest Hole and you went there."

Riya just kept rocking. "Oh, yes. I'm sure he was worried sick," she inflected sarcastically.

Jake glanced at the bird, giving Riya a weird look. "You're a bird nurse now?" he asked.

Riya gave him a glare. "I'll have you know, injured Ymbrynes require special care. That's what Miss Peregrine said."

"Alma," the blue haired Ymbryne sang in correction.

"Well, how's it doing?" Jake redirected.

Alma walked over to stand beside Riya, stroking the bird a little. "She, not 'it'. Ymbrynes are always female. And she grows stronger by the moment, in the arms of her imprint."

Jake's head jerked up.

Riya let out a laugh. She covered her mouth quickly. "Familial."

Jake nodded as if he understood. "So who is...?" He gestured to the bird.

Alma had one hand on Riya's back and the other using its finger to stroke the bird's chest. "This is Miss Avocet," she introduced, in a way.

"Her loop is in Blackpool, England," Jake said, seemingly explaining to Riya. He pulled a letter from his pocket, holding it out to Riya.

Alma watched her take it with an ever-paling face. She wanted to snatch the letter up and make sure neither sibling ever knew the dangers of their world. She wanted them to feel safe with her and to let her shield them from all outsiders, all non-peculiars.

Riya read the letter quickly and aloud.

"Dear Miss Peregrine: January 2016.

I don't wish to alarm you, but one of my informants sent me this. It would appear that some of Mr. Barron's group were in Blackpool, England. If I recall, Miss Avocet has a loop there. Please warn her and suggest that she make a new one right away. Well hidden. And take the greatest care yourself.

With Love,
Abe"

Riya looked down at Miss Avocet and moved her finger to stroke the side of her face.

"That was a private letter, Jake," Alma scolded.

"Who is Mr Barron?" Jake asked.

Alma turned back to the sink, plunging her hands into the water. Luckily, her sleeves were rolled up. She started scrubbing a random dish.