Day 22
Snow is beginning to fall, hardly sticking to the ground. The air is brisk, causing me to double my attire. I wrap the large buffalo skin around my shoulders, breathing into my hands to keep them warm.
Takoda lies inside the wagon, his cough worse than ever before. I have concluded that he doesn't have what our parents had. He would be dead by now, surely. He is now starting to cough up phlegm, a thick, viscous substance and it is beginning to worry me.
Takoda refuses to express how much pain he is in. He pulls off a strong and brave front for me, but I know he is suffering. I just wish I could help.
I glance over at my father's black horse, wondering how he is faring. No doubt this journey is tiring for him as well, having to pull along the large wagon that now carries my ailing brother.
But this horse is strong and I am hopeful that he will make it the rest of the way.
I just hope the snow doesn't begin to stick.
YOU ARE READING
As the Fires Burn
Short StoryJoin Haileah, a beautiful Cherokee woman who faces the tribulations of the long journey along the Trail of Tears. Who struggles with falling in love with an English soldier, sent to strip her away from her home.
