s my face is genuine for the

ellows. "Wanna sp

ugh my veins. I can already feel the plea

lasting friendship ha

*.

deep into my wrists and I cry out in pain. Randy laughs at me. His face is a contorted mask of delight. Saliva pools besides his mouth. I a

let me go." I c

father. I am not your papa!" Ran

cursed child nobody wants." Randy is

orns. Fire smokes out of his eyes, his eyes, his nose.

n sweat. My hands are shaking as usual. I have been having

ok occupies its usual position besides my bed. I pick it up and begin to sketch, letting the pain and anger flow through my fingers onto the paper. My strokes are deft

lanket up to my chin and listen to Dolly Parton singing her '

*

O

he was, killed a man" Dad is telling me about

oo. Patty told me Jeremy's n

ours. His arrival has become news that sparked mixed reaction. While some are determined to have nothin

d up in Mr. Jeremy

what do you th

ay while wiping dis

e Navajo to my class." I tell Dad. I t

at right? Just like your momma, yo

ur people believed to be the 'bringer of happiness'. I am glad Dad still c

. I am not the type that talks a lot among peers. I can feel Mr. W

history helps me know more about my people and maybe one day, I can let the world know more about us." My confidence continues to rise as I speak. "We are the orig

ing. This is the first time I have spoken to a crow

*

NI

er. Maybe it isn't right but it's a good feeling. I imagine running my fingers throug

eally focusing on the rest of it. My mind is

ng alone, backpack slung across her left sho

e stops a second in her track before

esentati

e on her face is priceless. I say

I could grab lunch?" I ask on

there in the

ride or you driving?" I hold my

d. I don'

of relief. "Good.

n killed his father. Such a bad child!" The words of the African woman who