She's back!

And then it was over! And for her it all now seems like a dream. I know what that's like. Sometimes it's hard to imagine that there are all these worlds out there, and us not a part of any of them, but every one just as real as the one we're existing in, whether it's the vast savannahs of Africa, the turquoise waters of the Greek isles baking in the sun, or the cluttered chaotic streets of Jerusalem.

It's over, and she's missed The Gadget Man's family Christmas -- which for the first time ever they moved from Boxing Day (to the day before she came back). How unfortunate -- especially as this was the one year where she would be bursting with things to tell them. I can't tell you about the maternal outrage this roused in me -- a most interesting thing in itself, as I'm not particularly given to maternal outrage.

But it is lovely to have her back: the excited girl who has been dying to tell us how she ate dog and snake's head, but who stood (sadly for me to witness) somewhat aloof from the other girls, not quite fitting in, as is usual for her. It leaves me to wonder how we managed to have two children who are both outside the box. I know this should be a good thing -- what's wrong with raising individuals, after all? But it is hard when you see all the other kids with invites and not your kid, and it happens again and again and again. Still, I was never the most popular in class either. I had a few friends who were intensely loyal, and that was enough.

She has the prospect of starting at a new school next year, but that must all be the stuff of another post. In the meantime, let me dwell for a moment on just how wonderful it's been to have her back. Let me have that moment, for no doubt in a few more, she'll be fighting with her brother again, and I'll be left wondering what happened to the peace of the last four weeks and longing for that peace again.