Porcupine Ridge Things I almost remember

As if the pain grew too great, it seemed the boy could not take it any more. As if the aches were too strong, they plastered on his face. He could not handle moving any longer, and Nutuyikruk stood there, frozen. Unsure again of what to do, and stuck to the very ground where they'd stopped in unison. Still again.

Sparrow was done walking, and no longer cared, if ever at all, where his bed would be. Not tonight.

"Oh."

Crickets hopped at their feet.

"Well," her voice skipped, "--Well, okay. Right here, then." She nodded until she convinced herself that he was okay.