He should have given Kanna the bride price. She had contributed to it, and deserved to have her contributions returned. Besides, if Pakku was not getting married he had nothing to do with such a sum and Kanna was sure to need it on her travels.

But by the time Pakku thought of it, Kanna was already out of sight and he could hardly ruin her escape by tearing through the city after her. She would appreciate being allowed to leave without a fuss more than she would want money, Pakku knew.

Still, he found himself taking out the bride price and counting out the coins, sorting out Kanna's share of the money from his own. Perhaps he could give Kanna's share to her sister. It would be more fitting than giving it to her father.

Pakku was so engrossed in his own thoughts that he did not notice his mother had come home until she tapped him on the shoulder. "What's wrong, Pakku?" she asked.

"Kanna's gone. She– She said she wouldn't stay in the North Pole."

Tuparnaaq squeezed her son's shoulder. She did not say that there would be other women, and for that Pakku was grateful.