48 THE RETURN

CHAPTER 48 THE RETURN The robot's feelings of worry and confusion and guilt went away as soon as she heard her son's voice echoing across the farm. "Ma, we're back!" Brightbill's flock appeared above the pasture, flapping and honking and laughing. They glided down to Roz, and Brightbill took his place on his mother's shoulder. "I told you we'd keep your son out of trouble!" squawked Loudwing. "Thank you, everyone!" The robot spoke in her most cheerful voice. "It is so good to see all of you again." The cows trotted over, grinning and happily mooing to the geese. While the herd and the flock caught up with each other, Roz and Brightbill slipped away to speak privately. "What's the plan, Ma?" said Brightbill.

"The plan is simple," said Roz. "Tonight, under the cover of darkness, I will run away from this farm. And then you and I will begin our journey home."