I tell her about what I saw when I got there. The houses, the crops they plan to grow, how pretty the lake is. I throw if how it would be nice if I learned how to use a boat. Guess how that went. I also tell her how Tetyh told me about all that she did for them when she first got there, even threw in how grateful they are and how proud I am. I tell her what I learned about the island and when I mention Her she gives me a weird look but waves her hand when I try to press further. I also mention the huts with the medicine that she makes for them. I leave out most of the rudeness from Emerta and…him. And she doesn’t need to know anything about marriage. I’m going to pretend that conversation didn’t happen.

“Denchi even showed me the different fruits they plan on planting near them,” I say, obviously leaving out what else happened. “He also told me to tell you that they’ll be back in three days to get things ready for when it gets cold. And he also said that he’d like for me to be a part of it. So no sending me off to get water or anything else we don’t need.”

She corrects me and tells me the word “winter”. She rolls her eyes and pushes herself back from the table. No excuses this time. Not only do I know in advance that they’re coming, I get to sit in. She gets some wood from the corner and goes to start a fire. I didn’t realize how late I got back; it is well past dinner time.

“I guess I have no choice then, do I?” she shrugs.

“Nope!” I reply as I get up, grabbing the arrow off of the table, and walk over to help.

“Wash up first, you’ve been out all day.” She says while smacking my hand.

“I was trying to help you cook. If that’s the case then I might as well bathe,” I tell her.

“Yea, go ahead and do that. I should be done by the time you finish.”

What is she up to?

“Are you trying to get rid of me?” I eye her suspiciously. It’s not like her to let me off from doing any type of chore two days in a row.

“No, I’m not. Can’t I want you to rest after you’ve had a long day? Besides, you’re starting to stink up the place. Now go.”

She all but shoves me out of the door. She can say what see wants, she’s definitely up to something.

“Fine, I’m going. Don’t do anything behind my back, don’t think I forgot that you said you’d teach me.”

“Yes, yes. I didn’t forget. How about we start tomorrow? Now go get clean.” She gives me a shove and closes the door.

I don’t know what her problem is but she’s acting very suspicious for someone that’s only supposed to be cooking. And how am I supposed to bathe when I don’t have any clothes? And what about the water? Never mind the fact that it’s dark out here. Guess she didn’t think that through while she was so busy kicking me out. Since I can’t do what I need to do, I slowly turn around and listen at the door. I can faintly hear her moving around, but I can’t hear much. I lean closer and try to hear for her doing anything…odd. Baolarah comes behind me and nudges my leg, almost knocking me over.

“Stop it,” I hiss, swatting at her. “I’m trying to listen.”

She keeps nudging me as I get closer to the door. Suddenly, the door opens and I almost fall in.

“Forgetting this?” Mother asks, handing me my clothes after I catch myself after almost falling over.

“Oh…um. I- “

“You were being nosy, as usual. Right?” She asks, crossing her arms.

“No, why would I be nosy? Baolarah was pushing me toward the door and you know how aggressive she can be…”

Baolarah nibbles at my hand and Mother just stares at me. Hunting, fishing, gathering, crafting, cooking; so many things that I’ve learned and mastered in a short amount of time. One thing that I’ll probably never learn: knowing when to shut up.

“I’ll go ahead and go around back,” I sigh as I drag my feet to go to the back of the house where the tub is.

“Please, and before you find another excuse to snoop, there’s plenty of water for you to use.”

“Can I at least get some lights?”

With that, she closes the door again. Since I have had a long day, might as well take my time. When I get around to the back of the house, I get some wood to start a small fire and pour in the water to heat it up. How does she expect me to see while doing any of this? I’m pretty good at seeing in the night but this is ridiculous. As soon as I manage to get the fire started, I hear a faint sizzle and I’m able to see. I look around to see where the light is coming from and there are faint orbs at the back of the house giving off a pleasant glow. I’m too tired to even think of how she’s going this. She’s definitely going to have to explain this. I set down my clothes and hear a thump. I look and see that she included some soaps already. She really does think of everything and she clearly didn’t want me to come back in. After the water is heated to my liking, I take off my clothes and get in to soak away the day.