Morning bustled along and at last the dawn broke, turning the sky violet and pink.

"Fine for you to get up late," Kelty scolded the Sun. "After all, you only have the one chore."

The Voice chuckled in her head but said nothing.

Kelty came inside with her basket of eggs but was sent out the front with them just as quickly.

"Take those over to the widow across the lane," her grandfather commanded. "Her babies' bellies are hitting their backsides." When he spoke it sounded like babbies.

"Couldn't we at least..." Kelty began to plead, but he wouldn't hear of it.

"Mind me child, or I'll paddle your backside," he said, his voice sharp as his straight razor.