Child of the Wild

Chapter Seventeen

I laid in my hut with Hinto and Ituha next to me. Tasunke was laying in my arms, cooing softly. Ituha gently combed her fingers over Tasunke's head.

"He's so cute, Zitkala." Ituha murmured. "I read some of that book while you were gone last week. I'm doing better." Ituha grinned. "I'm doing really good."

I smiled at her, running a hand over Ituha's hair. "Good job, Ituha. I'm proud of you."

Hinto gently wrapped an around my shoulders. I looked over at him. He had bags under his eyes. He hadn't slept very well. The tribe required the father to stay up for ten days as I stayed in bed for fifteen.

I kissed Hinto's cheek. "You look tired, my dear."

Hinto tiredly smiled. "It's alright, my bird. I will be alright. I have to worry about you."

I kissed Hinto. "Thank you, Hinto."

"Anything, Zitkala."

Ituha grabbed a book. "Can we read?"

I nodded. Hinto took Tasunke and I taught Ituha how to read more German. We did that for a while until dinner was ready. Ituha ran out. Hinto stayed back to give Tasunke to me.

Hinto kissed my forehead and murmured a goodbye before leaving. I cradled little Tasunke. I gently twirled his short hair in my finger. He fell peacefully asleep soon enough.

Hinto and Ituha returned with food an hour or so later. Hinto gave me my food and disappeared. Ituha grabbed a book and started reading, asking me questions along the way. She was learning really fast.

I sang softly to Ituha and Tasunke. Ituha put the book down and curled up beside me. I pulled a blanket up around Ituha and brushed her hair out of her face.

"Goodnight, sweetheart," I murmured.

With both of my children asleep, I got up. I gently put Tasunke in his cradle and tucked him in. I gently kissed his forehead and brushed aside a piece of hair.

I sat back down and started reading. Hinto came back and sat down. He pecked of my temple and sighed.

"How are you feeling?" I asked.

Hinto met my worried gaze. "Yeah. I'm just tired. It'll be alright. How are you feeling?"

"I'm doing alright," I replied. "I'm tired. Can you watch over the children as I go to sleep?"

Hinto smiled softly. "Of course, dear."

Hinto kissed my head as I curled up beside Ituha. I wrapped an arm protectively around Ituha. She shifted closer to me. I heard Hinto start humming to himself as he played with my hair. I loved Hinto so, so much. He was my absolute favorite man in my life and I was so glad I met him all those years ago. As I thought about it, I was always in love with Hinto. Ever since I was a young girl, I liked Hinto and I ended up loving him as an adult.

I feel asleep, Ituha in my arms and Hinto playing with my hair. I loved my entire family and my tribe. I considered these people my family and I felt so comfortable here. I was never accepted by the people of my skin color. However, I was accepted by the Natives. They were kind and caring towards me. I loved that about them. I was so glad I went West with Hinto.