Chapter 460

Mycah’s family had never washed anything and that was obvious. The point was not that they did every piece of their clothing, just that they started to learn. Freemen knew how to care for themselves and did so independently. This was just one of many things we had to teach them.

Rose’s instruction on the use of the camp’s washboards were still fresh in my mind. I taught the boys the way I had learned and they did a fair job on the item or two they cleaned. We did most of the work, but one or two of the young ones started to get the hang of it. I encouraged and congratulated them each time they did it right. The boys liked the feedback and tried very hard.

“You do well instructing, Ciara,” Hodlen said appreciatively.

I blushed at the compliment.

“On Earth, Jonathan would have been mine to care for and teach. Women do most of the child care where I am from,” I said simply. “I enjoy being part of his life in every way.”

I saw a faint smile start on Hodlen’