I follow mother with little complaint, and I am glad I do. I do not like the tones spilling from her maw, words ringing with stress. She sounds scared, and it makes me scared as well.
I watch them though, the adults, they are strange to me, but kind. Mother is warm, her sunshine skin is welcome on my own and I stay close to her side. We watch the other woman, the one that is dark skinned, her hair flaxen in contrast. Mother had told her to wash, but I'm not sure this is what she meant, the other flopping into the water like a fish. I giggle but mom gives me a look, telling me quietly that it is not polite. I nod, though I don't understand why.
After some time Reuen emerges from the creek, sopping wet but still much cleaner than when she had started. There are still cuts though, some really deep, I ask my mom if she is going to be okay. She thinks she will she says, but she isn't sure. Another woman is approaching us, her coat is different colors. Some places are black like my own hide, others are bright is an opposite color,white. She has a large pink scar on her face, and I wonder if she had gotten hurt as well. I cling into my mother's sunshine colored side, as she approaches. She seems to know mother though, expressing how lovely I am, asking me my name.
"Tioga," I reply, meakly because I am shy. "Did you get hurt too? Mother can help you, like she is helping Reuen."I manage to find more words, though my voice still small.
