Ouroboros Spine Somewhere out there

His sister made some very good points. He hadn't thought about the world Outside. There were many shadows and secret places within the village, and the boy felt safe so long as he was with Aaka or his sisters, and besides that he knew he was the man of the family now, and put pressure on himself already to keep them safe. He had Black Bear in his head often enough to keep him company; and he wasn't afraid, so long as he had Nutuyikruk.

What 'bouts Aapa?

Tautukpik was conflicted, and it showed in the pursing of his lips and furrowed brow. He didn't want to leave Aaka, but he didn't want to abandon Aapa if he needed to be rescued. And he couldn't let Nutuyikruk go without any protection or help, either. Okay, he answered, although he was still uncertain.

We get Aapa. Maybe... maybe Aaka put him on time-out? Sometimes when the kids were being too loud, or too grabby, or too much in general, they would be separated and distracted with toys or food or tasks; maybe that was the same for their father. Maybe we go geddum?

They'd have to do it themselves, Tautukpik reasoned; Aaka seemed to have forgotten him.