Falling

     On a high crest of a gently sloping riverbank, Foxtail sat with legs crossed, gazing at the wide river with its lazy current. The heads of tall grasses dipped about her shoulders in a late summer breeze. The sun was just beginning its descending arc into the end of the day and warmed her head. She'd braided her glossy black hair into a single rope and it hung down her back. Foxtail had taken extra care with her appearance and if the river brought Little Fish home today, he would be pleased with her looks.

    The river burbled, lapping smooth stones at its edges as it passed. Fish flashed below the surface while dragonflies darted above. Eventually clouds gathered at the border of the horizon to receive the sun's flaming glory. Foxtail strained her ears, hoping to hear paddles striking the water. The sounds around her remained uninterrupted. The river would not release her love today.

     Rising on stiff legs, Foxtail turned towards the small cluster of teepees that was her summer home, known as Tache. Smoke from cooking fires hung heavy in the air of the wide valley floor and weaved into the trees but the surrounding details went unnoticed as her feet led the way to her father's teepee. Foxtail was about to step inside when she suddenly looked up and to her left. She locked eyes with Bear, Little Fish's older brother. Bear had stayed behind to care for his aging mother while his father and brother had left in the canoe to hunt downriver. Usually, Foxtail had a smile for the handsome hunter but today, he looked too much like his brother. Averting her gaze, she went into the teepee and shut out the world.

     Foxtail slipped into a restless sleep filled with dreams of rushing water pressing against her while Little Fish called her name. She woke abruptly, soaked in sweat, feeling frightened and confused but not knowing why. Once she regained control of her breathing and her mind was calm, Foxtail decided she would wait no more.

    Stepping over the slumbering forms of her smaller siblings, Foxtail quietly gathered her belongings along with a few things from her mother and father. She crept out of the teepee into the grey predawn light, turned in the direction the river flowed, and started walking. The was a narrow creek where she would have to borrow a canoe to cross but after that, Foxtail could follow the river until it brought her to Little Fish.

       Foxtail was struggling to push the canoe she had chosen into the creek when a large, dark hand clamped down on it in front of her. Choking back a scream, Foxtail flailed, and slipped on the muddy bank. Hard, muscular arms wrapped around her, catching her before she landed on her backside.

         "Where are you going, girl?"

      Bear's deep voice rumbled through Foxtail as he held her against him. Realizing who had discovered her, Foxtail relaxed. "I cannot stay here waiting, not knowing. I have to find him." She said in an insistent whisper.

        For a time, Bear said nothing. He just stood there, not letting Foxtail go. A moment later, the sun crested over the treetops to burn away the dismal hues of the early dawn and captured the river, setting it alight. Blinded, Foxtail hid her face and Bear's arms dropped away. He dislodged the canoe from the mud and held it steady. He gestured for Foxtail to get in. Unsure, she just stood there and stared.

      Bear sighed. "How far do you think you'll make it alone?" Foxtail raised her chin defiantly and Bear smiled. "You didn't think that far, did you, girl?"

         Again, Foxtail said nothing and Bear laughed, making her feel foolish. She looked to the scrub and felt an intense longing for Little Fish. He wouldn't have laughed at her.

         As if sensing Foxtail's thoughts, Bear sobered immediately and said, "My father and brother are not the only ones who've failed to return after setting out down the river. You're planning on following along it on foot, yes?" Not trusting him, she didn't move or lift her eyes but nodded once. "Let's go together. We'll have a better chance out there if we're not alone. Get in the canoe and we'll cross the creek."