20 THE GOOD-BYE

CHAPTER 20 THE GOOD-BYE For months, Roz had feared the poison tide, and now she was going to march straight into it. She stood on the northern slopes and gazed out at the ocean. Clouds of gently shimmering dust were billowing through the water. The robot's eyes drifted skyward to a winged shape, high above. Brightbill was up there, scanning the seas. After a few minutes, he dove down and landed on his mother's shoulder. "The poison tide gradually curves west," said Brightbill, pointing. "So if you keep moving north, the water will eventually clear up." "Thank you for that helpful information," said Roz. "And the currents are strong and unpredictable," said Brightbill. "So be careful not to get turned around." "My internal compass will keep me headed in the right direction," said Roz. "Also, you never know when a boat or an airship might appear," said Brightbill. "So stay underwater as much as you can, to be safe." "Brightbill, I appreciate your concern," said Roz.

"But please try not to worry. I am prepared for whatever I encounter." Farther up the hillside, a group of animals had gathered. They came to see off their good friend Roz. Everybody was counting on her to stop the poison tide. It seemed like an impossible task, but if anyone could succeed, it was the wild robot. Among the group were Loudwing, Nettle and Thorn, the beavers, and the otters. Chitchat stood with her three kits. Swooper floated on the breeze. Even Fink was there, lurking behind the others. However, someone important was missing. "Where is Glimmer?" said Roz. "Glimmer wanted to be here," said Brightbill. "But she stayed home because, well, Ma, you're going to be a grandmother." "Has Glimmer laid eggs?" The goose smiled. "She laid her first egg early this morning. We expect four or five more." "Oh, Brightbill, that is wonderful!" said Roz, hugging her son. "You and Glimmer will be excellent parents." "Life has been so hard lately," said Brightbill. "It's nice to have good news. But it feels strange to bring goslings into such a scary world." "The world can be scary sometimes," said Roz. "Whenever I am scared, I think of you, and I feel

strong. Now, with grandgoslings on the way, I feel even stronger. I will do everything in my power to stop the poison tide. I am not afraid." "Just be careful," said Brightbill. "I want my goslings to meet their grandmother." "I will be careful," said Roz. "I want to meet my grandgoslings." Roz and Brightbill hugged each other tight. And then Brightbill fluttered up and joined the other animals. The robot marched downhill and across the shore. Before stepping into the water, she peered back at her friends and family. They looked tired, frail, nervous. Surrounding them were dead plants and scorched rocks. A puff of wind sent ashes floating through the group. The island had always seemed like a paradise, but now it seemed more like a prison.

Voices called from the hillside. "Good luck, Roz!" "Thank you, Roz!" "We love you, Roz!" Roz waved good-bye. She took in one last view of the island. And when she was ready, she turned and marched into the waves.