Mother

My mother is still a beautiful woman.. her heart and soul are hurting right now.. but underneath all her pain lies a careful, loving and fun woman.. I remember as a child she and I use to play games together while we would wait for my father and brothers to come back to the fires.. She had so much inside her I wonder if she gave it all up as my father grew more and more unstable.. Did she hide it away? Is it still there hidden beneath layers of life?

I have not told her yet what exactly happened to father.. not that I know for sure but I do not think he is ever coming back... I do not want her to hold on to that hope and let life pass her by.. I do not want to see her become an old woman before her time. Ord and his mate and child's death took a toll on my mothers mind.. I do not think she has actually grasped that they are not coming back either.. I brought back a hide from his wagon and some little trinkets I found that were his.. There was not very much left.. Sam said to give her time.. my other brothers are just silent.. I will give her some time.. and then she has to get on with life... She is needed at the clan.. there is much work to be done.. and we need all the hands we can get.. She is a wonderful leatherworker.. and it will keep her mind busy...