#flora lobo

I can’t believe how fast it all went by! My final grades weren’t quite perfect, but I’m satisfied with them - they’ll get me a good job with a good salary, and that’s what matters. 

I invited Mama and all my siblings to graduation...but it’s such a long way, I didn’t expect any of them to come. But they did come. And they didn’t wear their usual hippie crap - they looked nice and presentable. I guess mama lifted the household ban on non-hemp fabrics, at least temporarily. God, I’ve never seen Mama or Thistle so dolled up. And Jupiter came too, all the way from Sulani! I still can’t believe it. I’m so glad they were here. And mama said how proud she was - I didn’t expect to hear it. 

I introduced Bella to her as my friend...I wonder if mama can tell that there’s more going on? If she can, she didn’t mention it.

Granite Falls Commune Family Portrait

I knew she was getting older, but...somehow mom never seemed like someone who could die. 

I’d just returned to the forest with Jupiter when I got the news. I traveled back to San Myshuno for the funeral. Jupe is staying with Grace and Alice - he’s too little to understand what’s going on. 

I knew I was expecting again, but I didn’t want to tell Michael...what if he left, like Dino did? Of course he realized eventually, but we never really talked about it. When I went into labour, I planned to do it with only Grace and Alice’s help...but it happened on an evening when Mike was here, and he came running when he realized what was going on. In the end, I was glad to have him there. 

Tony didn’t just bring Callia and Martin - he brought my best friends from high school, Grace and Alice! I couldn’t believe it!

When mom said she wanted me to have a proper home, I thought she meant a place in the city - or worse, the suburbs. But that wasn’t it at all. She bought me a bit of land outside the park, deep in the woods, and everyone pitched in to help me build a small cabin there. I couldn’t ask for a more perfect home for me and Jupiter! 

Benny’s wedding was a blast. I was flower girl again, just like at Tony’s, and Tony was best man. My nephew Martin was the ringbearer. Jesminder looked just beautiful in her dress, like a fairy princess - Ben was so lovestruck that when he went in for the kiss, he headbutted her and the ceremony had to pause for a few minutes so she could get her balance back. 

The cake they served at the reception was the best I’ve ever had in my entire life...though honestly, Cosme had slipped me a blunt and I was pretty high, so anything would have tasted great.

Granite Falls Commune Family Portrait