the next day

john and elizabeth bade their cousins farewell
and jesus holding his mother's hand made their
way down the hilly mountain side.

it took them 45 minutes to get to town
and the two travelers were out of breath.

mother, rest awhile.
here, sit by this rock

mary looked at her son in appreciation
and did as he asked.

there was a square rock underneath a big elm
tree and it gave a cool shade.

mary sat and took in a deep breath
she wasn't as young as she used to be
she remembered there was a time when she
could run down that hill in half an hour.

she smiled,
it seemed like such a long time ago.

mother what are you smiling at said jesus.

nothing said mary i was just reminiscing about
when i was a young girl before you were born.
when elizabeth and i used to play together and
run through the woods
as you and john do now.

jesus looked at his mother quizzically
it was hard to think of his mother as that
carefree.
she was such a pensive person, like sometimes
when she was so quiet
he would break the stillness and ask her what
she was thinking.

oh,nothing, much, i was just sitting here thinking of
what, the quiet, sometimes thoughts come to mind
and i wonder about things.

like what, said jesus
just things
nothing for you to be concerned about

mother you know i am concerned about what you think about.

i know there is more to your life than you let on,
even that joseph knows about.

what do you mean?

I just know, said jesus.

well, now jesus you can't just know.
what is it that you think you know.

well, for one i know joseph is not my real father.

jesus, what are you saying?

i've heard you and joseph talking when you thought i
was asleep.

well, you must have misheard said mary.

no, mother, i didn't mishear.
I've known for quite a while that you and
joseph have a secret, and you have tried to
keep it from me.

mary's heart flipped.
and her breath caught in her throat.

she turned a slight white

and jesus concern was in his voice.

mother, are you all right.
i didn't mean to upset you

no, it's all right son you just took me by surprise.

are you sure you are all right.

yes, i'm fine.

well,let's not talk about this anymore right now, we'll discuss it
more later.

mary looked at her son because he was only 12 but in that moment
he sounded older, almost adult like.

ok, mary said, we'll talk another time.

good. don't worry. it will become clearer to you in your dreams.

dreams.
what dreams.
what are you talking about jesus.

just rest a few more minutes mother and we will be on our way.

here have some of my water.
well, i know that j