I made toward my family, walking away from the site of pilgrimage toward what Becca fondly calls “softing.” One doesn’t have to go anywhere to experience softing. Softing is usually performed with the back of a hand or, if you’re Becca, her nose. It is the softest of strokes. Softing can’t be done at a distance. It usually takes place in the early mornings or late at night, almost every day, preferably with all the members of her family, in bed. One can soft spontaneously or ask to be softed, and the request is always granted. In the midst of softing, uncontrollable laughter is not only
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