Ouroboros Spine iḷiḷgaaġiit

The boy Tautukpik had grown more stern in the week since his mother's spirit-walk, and while he remained interested in the sound of the wind or the sight of the sunlight through trees, he held a new stoicism as well which was remarkably similar to his absent father. One week was a very long time for someone who had no understanding of how time passed, and who had lived so little of their life. He had watched over his sisters and now could not shake the habit.

Aaka had come home but she had become busy quickly, and even though she brought the children with her, Tautukpik saw much. He watched as she came and went from the sleeping place, and obediently followed when she brought the trio elsewhere for enrichment, but he did not participate in much beyond his constant listening to the world, and the bright-eyed study of things around them.

When aaka stopped her work and called to them, Tautukpik tuned his attention to her — more because his peace had been disrupted rather than any interest in this swimming she spoke of; he did not know what that was, although he liked how enthusiastic she became as she urged them.