Mira knew she should have done something to help her mother with the food preparations, but today she didn't feel much like being cheerful in front of the younger kids, especially the twins.  Besides, the tso next oldest were helping, and having person would only be in the way.  Some days it was easier for her not to dwell on their father's leaving than others, though it was still something that bothered her, even after such a long time.  Maybe it was the season that had her feeling out of sorts, winter being nearly over, yet still not warm enough for spring.<br/><br/>Mira spent most of the morning working on a new basket alone at their hearth, and no one troubled her.  She had it nearly finished by the time Thomas made his announcement, and she couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm.  She set her work aside and hurried to join the others, offering her mother an apologetic and slightly guilty smile as she saw her.  "I'm sorry I didn't come to help, but you seemed to have things in hand, and I wanted to finish my basket so it would be ready to use when spring comes," she said.  She studied her mother's face as she spoke, worried for her.  Dalia wasn't the only one who'd noticed their mother's mood of late, but she didn't ask any questions in front of the others, only joined the group in waiting for the rest of the camp to make an appearance.