Nishka brought the last of the bags into the old house.<br/><br/>She had no idea that it had a name, or presumably a story. It was much prettier than she had given it credit at first look. While old and beaten up, it was sturdy. It looked like an old homestead that had been built with much love. It was neglected, and in disrepair, but it could be home...maybe.<br/><br/>Her mother met her at the door, veil still in place. "I need to head back to that store we saw on the way in. I need you to stay here, Nishka, and figure the place out, okay?"<br/><br/>Nishka shook her head in protest. "Please, mom, don't leave me here. What if..." her words dropped away. She wanted to ask what would happen to her if her mom was found out, but she knew that was the wrong thing to do.<br/><br/>"Be strong, Nishka. You are nothing if not strong," she said, speaking down to the girl in a comforting way. "Now be a good girl, and find out about the water. See what's inside too, while you're at it."<br/><br/>A kiss on her forehead, and Nishka's mom was gone. A long trail of dust marked her travel down the rural, dirt road. Then that was gone too.