Cedar Sweep the empty bowl

Asivaq’s tears tripped a wire in Meerkat’s heart. She wanted to sweep the younger woman into a hug. She stayed herself, though she did scoot a little closer. She didn’t interrupt Asivaq as she tremulously explained about her anaa and sistraa. The terms made her think of Sialuk. She thought about Arrluk and his journey too. It served to remind her how they were part of the same tightly-knit community, pardoning Asivaq’s disenfranchisement.

Those are totally normal fears. I’m sorry for your loss, though your sister dying in childbirth doesn’t mean anything like that will happen to you. You’re more likely than not going to have a textbook birth. I would try not to dwell on the things that could go wrong, although I know that’s easier said than done. To put your mind at ease—and elsewhere—try to focus on the things within your control, like making sure you get plenty to eat, plenty of rest, that sort of thing.

She paused, contemplating her strongly maternal feelings. Meerkat caught herself wondering again about the circumstances of Asivaq’s isolation from her family. What was it she’d said when they’d first met? “My family did not like my choice in Kigipigak as a mate…” She decided she was going to ask more about it, though there was something else that came to mind first.

Asivaq, Meerkat said slowly, did you know I’m actually a Tartok?