Two-Spirit

Chapter 36

I'm awaken by the rattling of the hut. Strong winds can be heard with it. We're likely having a blizzard. We're two weeks into winter and Ama told no lie when she said it was hard. We'll be lucky if the animals make it.

"Good morning." Ama's voice brings my eyes to her laying next to me and a smile makes It's way on my face.

I kiss her lips. "Good morning."

It's almost comical, the big sleepy grin on her face. I mostly find it cute.

"Are you hungry?" She asks as we sit up,

"You must eat." I insist. She hasn't eaten in two days. She's given all food to me against my will.

Her wrists have gotten smaller in such little time and it breaks my heart. I myself have lost a bit of weight as well.

"No, I can go one last day without a meal. You and our child need the food more."

I sigh. "Nonsense, Ama you will eat or you will make it and it will go to waste because I'm not eating. I'll eat supper instead."

She sighs in defeat. "I'll will make me a meal then."

"Let me help." I stand along with her and we leave the hut, after throwing on our coats and shoes.

After gathering enough things for a small bowl of Kanuchi we go inside the hut. Ama starts up a fire and we cook the soup.

I watch beside her as she eats it quite quickly, it's clear she was starving yet she was still willing to only feed me and our child.

A knock sounds on the door just as she finishes her bowl. She sets it aside. "Come in!"

The door flies open and Corie steps in with two blankets in hand, struggling to close it behind him.

He smiles and holds a blanket. "I thought you two might need one." He tosses it and Ama catches it.

"Thank y-" Her thank is interrupted by the door slamming open behind Corie.

To my horror father steps in, a Colt in hand.

How he was able to make it into the village is beyond me but it likely helps that there is a blizzard.

"I knew you were here! That letter was a load of shit." He yells in anger and looks to Corie. "And you! You knew all of this time. I followed you here. Months! You've been leaving for the weekend for months and you didn't think I would suspect something."

"Father-" Corie attempts to explain to him.

"Shut it! Your both coming back with me."

He makes his way over to me as I back away in fear, before he can reach me Ama is in front of me wielding a knife, father doesn't hesitate to aim his Colt at her.

"Father no!" Corie shoves him causing him to drop his Colt which Corie quickly retrieves leaving him powerless.

I believe father would have shot her without hesitation.

Father's angry eyes fall too Corie, a look of betrayal painting his face. "Have you lost your whits?!" He screams.

Corie returns the same angry glare. "No but it seems you have. Can't you see Connie is alright? Can't you leave her be?"

"I will not! These people are evil!"

I clench my fist in anger. "No it is you that is evil! You were going to let mother send me away!"

"For your own good!" He grits at me.

"What do you know what is good for me?" I step from behind Ama to face him fully.