Summary:Bucky doesn’t like talking about her, but Dr. Raynor isn’t an easy person to argue with. And now that it’s summer –– now that he’s living through the months they’d shared together all over again, only without her by his side –– fighting the memories becomes all the more difficult.
Slowly family life found a new normal, the children played peacefully, and Hdajk and Rusa was comfortable in their new roles as caregivers.
- Are you my mother now? Sanie asked
- No, I am your sister still, but I love you as much as any mother loves her children
- I love you too! I think you are the best not-mother we could ever have! And Rusa is our best not-father.
- Oh sweetie, we both love you very much.
- If you have your own children, would you stop caring for me? Will you forget about us?
- Oh Sanie! How can you think such a thing? I will always care about you, and neverforget you, no matter what happens! And Rusa and I will love and care for you as long as we live, trust me.
Later that day when they had a moment to themselves Hdajk told Rusa about the incident.
- It’s fully understandable, Rusa commented, She feels insecure, and with everything she has been through the last months no wonder why. First her mother dies and then her father.
- I’m so glad you are in my life Hdajk said, I couldn’t have found a more supporting and loving man to share my cave with.
- I love you too, flame of my fire. You are my everything. Do you think she suspects anything?
- Suspects?
- Okay don’t put up that innocent face to me honey. I have noticed that your bleedings has stopped, that you are more radiant than usual and your skin is very soft. I think a new era in our lives is about to start.
- Well aren’t you the clever mister know-it-all! Hdajk smiled her most dazzling smile.
The whole valley came by to show him their respect.
The family were crushed, but appreciated the support from their neighbours and friends. Only one person was missing, but that was probably just as well.
- He died from grief and heartache, Rusa said. I hate to think it was partly because of me.
- But it wasn’t! Hdajk protested. It wasn’t because of you. If anything, it was because of Efhag. He is my brother, I care about him, but I honestly cannot accept what he did to my father, and to us.
- Still, I don’t think his actions were out of spite. Maybe he genuinely tried to help.
- Darling, you are wrong in this. Even if he did, he didn’t have the right to make decisions over our heads. And anyway, this is not the time and place to discuss it.
- You are right. I’m sorry; I shouldn’t have brought it up…
- No, no, that’s fine, I just don’t think we can talk about this at this very moment, because we have to get home and get those toddlers to bed now.
- Ah, yes of course! Nobi looks like she could sleep on the ground.
- Just as you know, Hdajk was annoyed with her brother, I don’t approve of what you did yesterday. It was totally unnecessary to put Rusa through that.
- Well.. Efhag avoided eye contact, I did it for you.
- For me?! No you didn’t! I never asked you to do anything like that. Nor did anyone else.
- Maybe not, but I still did it for you. People were talking badly about you because of him.
- So what! Let them talk!
- You will see that it will be for the best. Now people will accept him more easily.
- That’s not the point! You didn’t have any right to do that and to make decisions on behalf of me or the family. If any, only father has that right, as the head of the family.
- Come on Hdajk. Everybody knows that father is too weak and too old to make any decision at all. Someone has to take leadership.
- Are you totally daft! Hdajk was shouting now. Are you challenging father’s authority? Who do you think you are?
The raised voices made the other family members aware of the discussion, and now Boui was angry.
- How dare you, Efhag! I’m the oldest child so if anyone should be the leader here it would be me. And even Dubi and Won are older and better suited than you are.
- Pfff! Dubi is not even our blood!
- What?!
- Enough!! Oyw cut through. This is exactly what I didn’t want to happen! Stop it! I’m very angry now. And hurt. And disappointed. Especially with you Efhag!
- But…
- No buts! I warned you! I told you to respect your siblings’ choices. You do the opposite. And you dispute my authority on the top of it. You are my son, and I love you. But I cannot allow this family to be torn apart because of your actions. From today I will deny you the right to carry my name.
- Father…
- No! Oyw’s gaze was firm, but his voice was trembling. Maybe your siblings will forgive you one day, but I will not. Hdajk, with your permission I will ask Rusa to move in to our camp, so that he can help me to protect you and the toddlers, and help with my duties. You Efhag, will not be welcome to this camp anymore. Now, leave me alone.
The dreaded wresteling a wild boar without any weapons.
Rusa fought well and came out on top. Not without wounds and injuries.
But for the wild boar the result was even worse of course, it ended up as dinner.
- Congratulations! That was some fight! Efhag was the first to congratulate.
- Thanks. I think I have proven myself now.
- You have. You are now our brother. You will have our support and respect from today and as long as you live. We do expect the same from you. You are also free to share a cave with any woman you like, that is not already sharing a cave with a brother.
They say that when it rains in Oasis Springs it pours, and the days after the full moon it certainly did. Some said it was an omen.
- Okay guys, he is coming! Are you ready?
- Hey! Stranger! We have a proposal for you!
Rusa was hesitant, because the situation didn’t seem reliable, and he was alone. Should he run or should he face the guys. In the end he decided on the latter.
- What do you want from me?
- We want nothing from you. But you might want something from us.
- Oh?
- You want to be accepted by the community here right? Especially by us Ogn-guys right?
- Well, maybe…
- You can pass some challenges, and then you will become a member of our clan. But it will take strength and courage! If you accept the challenge and prove yourself to us, we will accept you.
- And if I don’t?
- If you don’t, then we know that you’re a coward. We don’t like cowards.
It wasn’t much of a deal, and Rusa felt under pressure. But in the end he chose to take the challenge.
- Oh ‘kny! I get so tired of it all sometimes. I hate being here alone. Why did you have to leave me? I miss you so much…
- Sweetheart, I never left you. I’m still here. Come give me a hug.
- Are you only in my head, ‘kny?
- Why Oyw? Does it matter?
- No. Not really. I just miss talking with you.
- We can still talk.
- It’s this situation with Efhag and Rusa. It’s stressing me out.
- I understand.
- I don’t know what to do.
- Who are you talking to father?
- Eh.. Nobody!
- It’s so strange. Sometimes I almost feel I can smell my mother in this place.
- You can?
- Well, it’s very volatile, so I think it’s just in my mind. I miss her very much you know.
- We all miss her unbelievably much, don’t we? And I’m sure she misses all of us, Oyw said and looked at the “empty” chair.
- But you know, especially now, when I will be on a date for the first time. There are so many things I would like to ask her, she would know.
- You can always ask me?
- Oh father, don’t get me wrong, but there are things you wouldn’t know. Like how I can make my hair look shiny, and my eyes clear. If I should try to talk less, and pretend not to like him so much.
- You should use lemon and chamomile for your hair, eat blueberries every day for your eyes, and be as honest as you can and just follow your heart. You know the truth within yourself.
- Father you surprise me! That’s justthe kind of thing mother would say! I had no idea that you knew those things!
- Neither did I, Oyw laughed. Everything will work out for the best, you’ll see. And I love you very much, honey-bunny.
- Yeah it’s freezing, Efhag replied. It’s a bit cold for fishing.
- You are probably right. But let’s hold out a little longer, okay?
- So how are you? And your friend Ajul? You are still together?
- Yes father, we are both fine.
- You know I always wanted the best for you Efhag.
- Yes father.
- I got one! Yay! That’s a fabulous…, and very small fish. Ha-ha!
- Sigh! This is hopeless…
- Come on Efhag! The next one will be better! And if not, at least you can eat yours. Mine is just for the cat, if anything.
- This reminds me why I worry about you sometimes. You refuse to see good things in life. You have no enthusiasm for anything, and you seem to dislike it when people you care about are happy. Why is that? Like your sister now. She likes this guy. What is your problem?
- It’s not that I don’t want her to be happy exactly. Efhag was not very comfortable. But what if he takes her away from us? What if he can’t provide for her? What if he is mean and vicious?
- Really Efhag? Are you serious? Well what if he isn’t? So, far he has only shown signs of exactly the opposite, so I think you need to reconsider your arguments, son.
- He is different from us.
- Yes, he is. But you see, in my mind, that’s not something terrible. It just means he comes from a different place. It also means we can learn new things from him that we wouldn’t learn from anybody else. Which is great! Like this bow and arrow thing, very exciting!
Efhag looked down and didn’t say anything.
- I’m sorry Efhag. But could it be that you are in fact the spiteful person here? If you really worry about his intentions, at least you should get to know him better, shouldn’t you? To find out if you are actually right. Or are you scared to be wrong?
- I want to ask your brothers and your father if I can take you to the full moon dance.
- Don’t you think you rather should ask me? Hdajk, smiled but was also serious. I’m not anybodies property, you know.
- Oh no, of course not! I just assumed …
- Don’t! Don’t assume anything about me! But you can ask me!
- So Hdajk, you want to go to the full moon dance with me?
- Yes, I thought you’d never ask!
They both laughed.
And then he kissed her.
- Father! Father! I saw him kiss Hdajk!! Sadie ran to tell Oyw.
- What? Did they see you?
- No, I don’t think so…
- Good! And please Won, don’t make a fuss about this.
- Father, I never really had anything against him. I just don’t know him. Yet.
- So you will respect your sister’s choice, if it should come to that?
- Of course! It was never an issue from my part. Actually I think it’s just Efhag who doesn’t like him. And then Klyg, as usual, just do whatever Efhag does.
- I think Efhag is just jealous because Rusa is a much better hunter than he is. Koryi said.
- You might be right. I will have to talk to him. But these things wears me down, they really do.
- You want me to talk to him? Won asked.
- No. Oyw sighed. This is something I have to do myself, as a father.
It was one of those peaceful afternoons at the Ngo camp. The comfortable heat of the autumn sun, made long shadows and soft colours, and the conversations around the campfire were easy. Won and Oyw had captured some grouse earlier that day, and everybody was full and relaxed. It was blissful.
- Sul, sul! Cummuns nala? Koryi greeted them
- Ooh Be Gah, they all greeted him back. Come and have a seat!
- I’ve brought my friend Rusa, whom you know already. I hope that’s okay with you? Koryi looked at Won.
- No problem, Won replied.
- You are very welcome! Oyw assured the guests. Are you hungry?
- We were just in the neighbourhood, so we just wanted to say hello.
- Yeah right. Hdajk mumbled to herself.
- Are you Hdajk’s boyfriend, Sadie asked cheeky.
Rusa laughed and neither denied nor confirmed.
- Sadie!! You are embarrassing our guest! Hdajk was blushing. I will go and prepare something to eat for you.
- I will help you, Rusa said quickly
- I don’t think she needs…
- Sadie, be quiet! Oyw said surprisingly sharp, but then he smiled. You have so much to learn about life yet Sadie-Padie. Come, help me to make a fire here.
- I’m sorry about those rude implications, Hdajk apologized. I don’t know what ran into her.
- Oh I don’t mind. I kind of liked the idea.
- What!?
- At least I would really like to get to know you. I think you are very kind. And very pretty. And make very nice food. But I think that meat is getting very dark!
- What!?! Oh, Frabbit, frabbit, frabbit!
While Hdajk almost fainted, Rusa took her hand and kissed it.
- I think you burned yourself, he said.
- What? Oh, yes, I probably did, she answered unheeding.
Hdajk realized that she was not happy being at the centre of events. After Oyw’s dramatic showdown, she appreciated the normality of everyday life. There was children to be fed, firewood to be gathered, food to be prepared. She always enjoyed the trips with her sisters to gather mushrooms and roots in the dark wood.
- So have you kissed him yet, Boui teased her.
- What! No! I like him, that’s all. Really, there is nothing going on. Hdajk was not a very good liar.
- Yeah right. Dubi said, why do you try to deny it? It’s a normal thing to fall in love with someone.
- I’m not in love!
- Oh but you are, Boui laughed, even if you don’t admit it even to your sisters. We know. Been there, done that.
- Well anyway, I’m sure he is not in love with me, so it doesn’t matter. I’m ugly and I have responsibilities. Why should he want to take on all of that?
- I don’t think you are ugly, Sadie said. I think you are very pretty!
- You see? Boui agreed with her little sister. You have the scar, but you are a very beautiful person, inside and out.
- Don’t forget he has a face scare himself. I don’t think he is that kind of person anyway, who care about superficial things like that. It’s my impression that he likes you very much. Do you want me to ask Koryi? After all they are friends.
- Absolutely not! I forbid you to talk with him about me!
- Okay don’t worry. But your strong reaction proves to me that you have strong feelings for him. Girl, you are in love!
- I think we should get some work done, Hdajk insisted.
- Oh, so now you want change the subject? Her sisters laughed. But okay, let us finish her before it gets too dark.
- Yes father, they will be here, but are you sure you are up to it?
- Of course I am, Oyw was slightly offended, but took it in stride.
- I just don’t want you to wear yourself out; you haven’t been too well lately.
- I will be fine!
- Dear children and in-laws, thank you all for coming. Before we eat, I want to discuss something with you that is heavy on my heart. As you all know, when your mother and I came to this valley many winters ago we were strangers.
- That’s one of the reasons why I find it reprehensible that members of my own family, my children, does not treat a friendly stranger, a smart and decent man, with anything but friendliness. I will not have it!
- But father…
- Don’t interrupt! I’m not finished. Once, your mother and I relied on this friendliness. Dubi’s birthmother Ka’he, the Nuuh family, the U’chl’s, the Baba’s - they all helped us and showed us nothing but kindness. I insist that we, as a family, we who once relied on hospitality, in fact it was the basis for our entire existence, will return that kindness to others.
Secondly, all of you have had the freedom to choose your life partners. This has never been an issue in our family and I can’t see any reason for that to change. In important questions like this, I believe we all have to make our own choices, and those choices must be respected by all of us. If you should evertry to deny your siblings, your children or anyone else the right to choose for themselves, you must know that this is totally against my wishes. You might argue that you interfer to protect the other, but that’s not true! It just lack of respect for your brother or sister and shows disrespect of our core values. If you defy me on this, it will be difficult for me to consider you a full-fledged member of my family.
- So you’re basically forcing us to like and love whoever comes or way, and if not you will throw us out of the family? Efhag asked
- You don’t have to love anybody. But you have to show him or her the same respect as they give you. It’s a matter of simple decency. Think about what I’ve said. If you disagree, I will listen to your opinions, but I don’t think I will change my mind. And now I’m too hungry. Let’s eat.
That evening there was a quite unfamiliar silence around the table. Everyone seemed to be preoccupied with their own thoughts.
The following days were quiet. Oyw spent most of his time by the fire.
Hdajk was busy with her duties, and was unusually quiet.
One day Dubi came to check in on them, and brought with her the twins. That seemed to lift Oyw’s mood a little bit, even if he called Lute Aahou.
Hdajk felt lonely. Everybody has a special someone in their life, she thought to herself. Even Nobi and Tjen have each other. I think I will be bound to be alone for the rest of my life….
- I miss him too you know, Oyw suddenly said.
- What?
- The stranger. Rusa. I miss him too. But I think you miss him more.
- Well I … Hdajk swallowed. Maybe I do. But it doesn’t matter. Nobody seems to like him, and especially not my brothers, so I don’t think it’s worthwhile to get my hopes up, anyway. It’s just ….
- Your future is not up to your brothers.
- But, father don’t you see, I can’t elope or anything! What about the kids? What about you? Who will take care of you?
- That’s not exactly what I meant, but if it was so, there would still be solutions. That aside, I think you will have to stand up to your brothers. You have to tell them that you care about Rusa and that you want him in your life. When you think about it, what can they do about it? Not talk to you for a summer or two? Well so be it. It will be their loss.
- Father, sometimes you make totally sense! You can be so clever!
- I am! Oyw said. I am very very clever! And I love you honey-boney. And it will all be okay, don’t worry. I will help you, you just wait and see.
Life felt easier for Hdajk. There were still work to do, but after the siblings started helping it was not overwhelming, and there were time for good moments.
Oyw had good days and bad days (haven’t we all?), but most of the time he was in a good mood, even if he couldn’t remember things and was more easily tired.
Sometimes “The Stranger”, as they all called him, visited. He seemed to enjoy the talks with Oyw. “He reminds me of my grandpa back in my home valley”, he said, “I loved him very much”.
Not everybody in the family, or in the village for that matter, was happy about The Stranger’s presence.
- I really don’t understand what he wants here! Efhag said. It’s suspicious how he talks and talks with father, as he was the village chief or something.
Sometimes things were even said straight to The Stranger’s face, which was not very kind-hearted.
- Stop asking our father about tips and tricks! Klyg was clearly annoyed. And you father should stop telling him all your secret! You don’t know what he will use it for!
- Come on, Klyg! Hdajk jumped in. What’s he gonna do with it? Sell the information to the highest bidder? He is just being friendly and interested.
- Really, I have no evil ulterior motives, Rusa said. I just like talking with him.
- I find that hard to believe, Klyg answered back. And you! He turned to his sister.
- Why are YOUdefending him? Do you fancy him, or what is it?!
Hdajk turned red, and gave her brother a look that could kill.
- I refuse to hear such rubbish, Klyg. You really disappoint me.
- So how do you think it went father? Did the boys behave?
- Oh yes, yes, yes. They all behaved very well.
- And you did get a lot of game didn’t you?
- Yes, yes, we did. I think we had two deer and some rabbits. Or did we get only one?
- No you did get two father, Dubi and Hdajk is preparing the second one to distribute to the rest of our clan now, and the first one is on the table. Or in our belly!.
- Yes, yes! We are good hunters!
- You truly are, father! You want to eat some more?
- Yes! Very good meat. Very good, very good!
- Father is right, Klyg said. This isvery good meat! And very nicely grilled Boui!
- Thank you!
- So, my brothers, how did it go? I still think father seems quite confused…
- Actually it went rather well, Efhag declared. It feels like he is much more forgetful and confused when he is here at the camp. At the savannah he was in his waters so to speak.
- I think we need to keep him busy, Won suggested. It makes him feel useful, and that makes him happy as well.
- This was a nice day, wasn’t it father? Ooops, be careful with that stick!
- Oh! Sorry! Yes, very nice day. Tomorrow I will go hunting.
- Eh.. Actually Won and Lea wanted you to join them tomorrow. They are going to the woods to find roots and mushrooms. You know some very good places for mushrooms, don’t you?
- Sorry father, Boui hurried to say, that was a bad choice of words. We know you are a proud man, but now that your hair is white and your strength is redused, we don’t want you to go hunting alone. That’s why we thought it was a good idea for our brothers to accompany you.
- And don’t forget that you can teach them a thing or two about hunting. I’m sure your grandchildren would love to join too. That would be very exciting for them!
- He he, I know some tricks about hunting, don’t I, Oyw smiled.
- You sure do father!
The next week the boys were ready for a hunt. A new acquaintance of Koryi, Rusa, was also present. He came from a place far to the east (or was it north?). Oyw and the others met him for the first time. He talked a bit strange, but understandable, and also brought with him new technology - a bow and arrows. Most of the guys were not that impressed, it looked very flimsy, and it was unclear to them if, and how, it would even work.
It did not take long before the first deer were observed.
- There! Just in front of us, Oyw whispered.
The hunting team was not impressively well organized.
- Meshaloob Klyg! I almost had him!!
But then Rusa got a well-aimed shot.
- Ooh Be Gah!! That arrow went very fast and very long! Klyg was divided between jealousy and admiration.
- Okay, the first thing we need to do is make sure father takes a bath. I will take on that task, Boui said firmly. Dubi, can you get the kids to help you clean up here, and Hdajk, maybe you can collect wood and fruit?
- Sure, Hdajk nodded.
- When that is done we need to talk about what to do. We can’t have it that Hdajk should carry all this on her shoulders, don’t you agree Dubi?
- Absolutely!
- Come on now, father! I’ve filled the bathtub for you. You really need a bath. Badly. What would mother think if she saw you like this!?
That seemed to do the trick. The water turned black, but the stench that had surrounded Oyw slowly disappeared.
The toddlers were next.
And the camp itself.
Finally it was time to sit down to discuss what to do.
- Hdajk will need assistance in the camp and with the kids, but most importantly we need someone to take care of father. We should ask Won, Efhag and Klyg if they can help out.
- Take care of! I DON’T WANT TO BE TAKEN CARE OF!! I DON’T WANT A BABYSITTER! I can take care of myself!! Oyw was very upset with his daughters.
