I do not own Molly of Denali, or any of the characters contained within this story. Molly of Denali is the property of Kathy Waugh and Dorothea Gillim.
I am rewriting my story of Molly of Denali Snowstorm as well as the subsequent stories, Aftermath and Progression. I am combining them into an ongoing narrative. I will also be filling in many of the story plot holes I left the first time I started drafting the story. I'll be reposting them with a little more included to make the story more congruous.
I will still be writing more for my other stories but will edit and release this one at the same time. My arm is better now, and I am able to use it more and more each day, thanks to the efforts of my physician and the group of physical therapists that helped me along the way.
I look forward to the reviews and criticisms (I know there will be some). I hope you enjoy the story, and just like the cartoon on PBS Kids, I am trying to stay true to the characters as shown each and every day. I am also including real elements like they've done on the show (racism, environmental, life, and death, etc..). I hope you like this when I start to repost the chapters.
I am including a Yupik and Gwitchin dictionary of terms. Please forgive me for the spelling of some of the words used. My only guide to the spelling is the closed captioning used when the episodes aired. It may be right, it may be wrong.
Please review all of my stories. Feedback would give me ideas I can use for not only this story but for future ones. Thank you for your time and happy reading.
My story takes place in 2021 when Molly is twelve, Tooey is twelve and Trini is nine.
Weathering the Storm
"Attention to all people within the sound of my voice. Please be on the lookout for three missing kids and a dog sled. The kids are Molly Mabray, Tooey Okami, and Trini Mumford. They were all last seen between the villages of Qyah and Nenana. Call the Tribal Hall of Qyah as soon as possible. The number is (907) 555-7924."
"Do you think anyone was listening when you made the announcement Auntie Midge" Layla asked with visible tears in her eyes as Auntie Midge placed the microphone back onto the hook.
Walter reached out and hugged Layla. She turned and buried her head in his chest and wiped away her unshed tears.
Auntie Midge shrugged her shoulders and shook her head. "Layla, I sincerely hope so. Just in case, I'll make the announcement every hour. I sincerely hope others will be able to pass the alerts along."
Layla nodded her head but didn't leave the safety of Walter's chest as she acknowledged Auntie Midge.
Atsaq, Tooey's mom was also nearby. She was standing beside her husband Kenji. She was doing her best not to give in to the grief she felt in the room as she looked at the Mabray's and Daniel.
"Joy, did you hear the announcement Auntie Midge made?" Daniel asked his wife who was currently on his phone screen. "Yes, I did honey." Joy acknowledged. "We'll be keeping an eye out for them. God willing, they are all okay." Daniel reassured her.
"I need to return to duty. Please keep me posted on the ongoing reports and their whereabouts if known. Okay? I love you and Trini, tell her that when you find her." Joy told him blowing him a kiss. "Sure honey, I'll keep you posted. I love you. Bye." Danial said closing the phone.
Kenji noticed that Daniel's voice had been shaking as he spoke to Joy. He pretended that what he had heard was coming from a friend that was completely in control despite the situation.
"How much more snow are we expecting Auntie Midge?" Walter asked, looking out the window at the snow that had already fallen in the last 24 hours.
"I checked the weather and about another 3 feet is expected tonight and there is no sign of stopping for at least 2 days." Midge relayed to the group.
"How much snow has already fallen, Auntie Midge?" asked Daniel.
"Daniel from the last two weather updates I have heard, about 6 or 7 feet have already fallen." Midge stated.
"We should have prepared them better, before we let them go on this trip by themselves." Sighed Layla.
"Dak Niighit, we all trusted the kids to travel by themselves. We just weren't expecting the freak snowstorm to hit before they returned." Atsaq told her.
"We taught them how to survive this harsh environment and the weather. All we can do is just sit and wait since it is not safe to look for them until the storms pass and the sky clears." Concluded Atsaq.
"I agree, Tooey can control the dogs, and he knows what to do in a blizzard. I just hope they were able to find shelter and are not caught in the middle of this." Kenji said aloud for everyone to hear.
Everyone nodded in agreement as they all looked at the window and the snow that was now starting to pick up.
"Everyone get back to your homes and keep warm. I'll send updates as I get them. Have faith in the kids and try not to worry too much." Encouraged Auntie Midge.
"I hope so." Layla stated hugging Auntie Midge, Renata, Atsaq. Kenji and Daniel before taking Walter's hand. Walter took the time to hug and reassure everyone in turn as he shook Daniel and Kenji's hand.
He then hugged Atsaq, Renana and Auntie Midge before opening the door, braving the building storm, and trudging back to the Trading Post.
Each of the other's endured the blizzard that was pummeling Qyah.
* Somewhere between Qyah and Nenana *I *
"Is she okay?" Tooey asked looking at Trini who was slumped over the boxes that were now strewn all over the sled and the ground.
"I am not sure. She wasn't really dressed properly for this kind of weather." Molly said as she placed another hide over Trini.
I hate to say this, but the good news is we fell into this snowdrift. It's protecting us from the storm" Tooey told her looking at their present situation.
"Thank goodness. If we hadn't Trini might not be fairing so well. Are the dogs okay?" Tooey turned and looked at the dogs that were tangled up. He noticed that they still had six of the original eight dogs they had started with when they had set out for Nenana the day before.
"You had said us falling into this snowdrift was fortuitous. Was there any bad news since you usually can't have one without the other." Molly asked bracing for the worst.
Watching her tending to Trini he sighed deeply. "Yes there is some bads news." Molly stopped adding hides to cover Trini. She then looked at Tooey. "What is it then?"
One – The sled is very heavy, and we can't lift it out of this snowdrift. Two – We would also have to haul this cargo we picked out of this hole too." Molly gritted her teeth as she listened to him ticking off the issues they were going to have to deal with.
"Three – We lost two of the dogs. Cali and Khi Dhidii are missing. I guess when we fell beneath the snow, they must have climbed out. I have no idea where they are, and it's still too stormy to look." Tooey relayed to her.
Tooey took a step closer to Molly and felt a twinge of pain in both of his legs. He ignored it and sat next to them on the sled. "How did Trini get hurt? Did she hit something? Why is she unconscious?" asked Tooey wincing as he tried to get comfortable.
"As we were driving along, the snow was falling, and I was hugging her close to me so we could conserve heat." Molly remembered.
Molly thought back trying to trigger her memory. "I remember, we had been hitting a few bumps and were getting airborne a few times every few moments. We hit one and while airborne we came down and hit the ground. The main problem was that the ground wasn't solid. It opened up and we fell for a second or two and then suddenly crashed into the ground."
"After we hit I don't remember what actually happened. I guess I blacked out and woke a few seconds later, I think. She was below me on the ground uncovered, unconscious and shivering." Molly stated looking from Tooey to Trini.
Tooey watched as Molly looked up trying to remember what had happened. As she was talking, she placed her hand onto her head. Just above her right eye. I think when the snow gave way, we fell about six feet down maybe more and she slipped from my arms and hit the packages and boxes we were delivering to Qyah." Molly looked at the scattered boxes and Trini.
"She has a bruise on her head and from the way she landed she must have had the wind knocked out of her." Finished Molly pulling her close again and rewrapping her lithe form with more hides.
"Molly are you okay?" Tooey asked her concerned. "You just held your head in your hand. I think you have a very big bump on the side of your head." Tooey told her pointing to the right side of her head.
Raising her hand and feeling the spot he was talking about she winced, "Ouch." Molly looked at her hand to make sure she wasn't bleeding. "No, just a bump nothing as bad as Trini." Molly mentioned dismissing her situation and concentrating on Trini's.
"Is she cold to the touch?" asked Tooey adjusting his own parka.
Molly snaked her hand into the hides covering Trini and then into her jacket. A few moments later she removed her hand and replaced the hides. "Her chest is kind of warm. It does get colder as I moved away from the area of her heart." Molly exclaimed holding her closely.
"I am going to try to climb out of here. While I look around please check her fingers and toes and make sure she is not experiencing symptoms of frostbite. I am not sure how people from Texas handle our winters up here. I just hope she doesn't get frozen like Mac McFadden did when Walter and Nat were climbing Denali." Said Tooey trying to pack some of the snow and climb out of the large hole they were in.
Molly noticed that he gritted his teeth each time he was stomping the snow to try to pack it down for him to climb up. As he was working Molly saw that they were several feet below the surface and thankfully out of the wind. She chanced checking on Trini as thoroughly as she could without jeopardizing her health.
She quickly removed the hides and skins that had been covering Trini's hands and feet. She removed her gloves and checked each finger by feeling if they were cold or not.
She then repeated the same with her shoes and socks. She moved each toe softly just in case there was frostbite on them. When she finished her inspection she noted that there was no discoloration but that the limbs were all cold to the touch.
Seeing that Tooey had not returned to the sheltered area where the sled had fallen, she quickly opened her own parka. She turned Trini and placed her feet inside of the parka right up against her skin. "I hope this works." Molly thought to herself.
She continued to hold her feet against her skin when she heard some shuffling, Molly looked up, she saw that Tooey was carefully climbing back into the hole, where they were now calling a shelter. Tooey looked at Molly, she saw that he was definitely in pain. He walked past her and started untying the dogs.
Tooey untied and then retied each dog to a stake he pushed into the ground. After a few minutes of work, he had placed all six of the dogs leads onto the stake.
While he was still working, without turning around, "Is it working? Is her temperature returning to normal?" Molly looked from Trini to Tooey, "I am not sure. She is really cold and is taking all of the warmth I have. Is there a way we can start a fire and get warmed up better than trying to use body heat?" Molly pleaded as she held Trini's feet inside her parka.
Analyzing the situation, "Shouldn't you also have her hands against your skin as well?" Tooey mentioned. Molly slowly cocked her head and looked at Tooey just like his dogs would when he was talking crazy.
Seeing her expression, he blushed slightly before amending his words. "I mean do you need assistance with warming her up, so she doesn't lose any fingers since you're warming her toes?"
Molly thought a few moments, "Are you able to start a fire?" "No, the wood around here is too wet and would only smoke instead of producing a usable flame and heat." Tooey mentioned.
"I guess you are about to join me in being a stove for Trini. Since I have taken a bath with her, she won't mind her hands or feet being against me." Molly mentioned as she moved them to another warmer spot on her chest. "I am just not sure how she'll feel seeing her hands against your body when she wakes up. Whenever that is." Molly stated resigned to their fate of playing stove for Trini.
"I think we can explain it when she wakes up, so she doesn't freak out." Tooey stated moving into position near her hands.
Molly watched as he opened his parka and without missing a beat placed her hands under his shirt and against his skin. Molly stifled a grin when Tooey jumped at the cold feeling coming from Trini's fingers when they touched his bare skin.
"Holy cow, you said she was cold, you didn't say she was freezing. We should have done this sooner. I hope she is okay because of us doing this." Begged Tooey to no one in particular. "Me too, I wonder where we are. Do you have any idea?" Molly asked looking up at the stormy sky.
"I tried looking around but nothing I saw was a landmark. So, no, I have no idea where we are." Remarked Tooey as the snow started falling again.
The kids remained in position for a while. Adjusting the position of where Trini's feet and hands were every few minutes. They watched the snow falling softly for a little while. However, that changed quickly as the snow started becoming more intense, the dogs sidled over and placed themselves against Molly, Trini and Tooey.
Molly and Tooey noticed they were not only showing their love but warming the humans since they didn't have fur like they did. "Molly smiled despite her chest being somewhat cold, and her head hurting.
An hour or so later the sky darkened. The wind began to pick up too. Molly and Tooey looked from the sky to Trini before standing up and deciding that something needed to be done about their situation.
They both quickly placed a few of the boxes on one end of the hole and the rest on the other side. When completed, they placed a few support poles they had between the sides and placed as many hides as they could over the support making a makeshift fort.
Fifteen or Twenty minutes later, they entered the makeshift fort sweating. They were glad for the extra heat, and quickly returned to administering to Trini. "I wish my mom was here, she would be able to do more than we can to help her." Tooey sighed replacing Trini's feet in his jacket, while Molly picked up her hands.
"Attention to all people within the sound of my voice. Please be on the lookout for three missing kids and a dog sled. The kids are Molly Mabray, Tooey Okami, and Trini Mumford. They were all last seen between the villages of Qyah and Nenana."
Auntie Midge took a deep breath and looked at her notes. "They have been missing since yesterday afternoon. If anyone has seen or heard from them please call the Tribal Hall of Qyah as soon as possible. The number is (907) 555-7924"
Renata Marsh, teacher of the Qyah school entered the house and saw her mother putting the microphone down. "Mom has there been any news about Molly, Tooey or Trini yet?"
Not realizing she had been holding her breath. Midge took a deep one before answering. "Renata I just had to make the announcement again. Up until now, no one has called or mentioned anything about the kids, the sled, or the dogs."
"Mom, would you like some tea while we wait for more news?" asked Renata walking into the kitchen and placing the kettle on the stove. "Yes please." As Renata busied herself with preparing the tea. Midge looked at her notes and thought and thought about the situation. "I feel so helpless when I don't' have any news about the people of my village." Sighed Auntie Midge. Renata stopped for a moment and listened to her mother wishing things weren't so out of control.
Without turning around Renata wiped a tear that had escaped her eye as she turned on the stove. "I know the feeling mom. Those three are like my kids since I care for them when school is in session. We should receive word soon enough."
Standing, stretching, and yawning, Midge approached the table, sat, and picked up the boxes of tea leaves. She absently looked at the labels. Resigned to more waiting, she placed a few leaves into her mug and looked at the stove as she waited for the water to boil.
Pacing the room from the storeroom to the front door Layla looked outside of every window. Walter observed as his wife fretted about their only daughter. "Honey, if I said not to worry would that." Gulped Walter as he noticed the fierce expression he was receiving from his wife.
"You want me to not worry. Have Molly, Tooey, and Trini come walking through that door now and tell us they are okay and just lost track of the time." Cried Layla covering her face.
"When you can give me that level of assurance I'll stop worrying. You must know that I am not the only one suffering here. Atsaq, Kenji and Daniel must be nervous wrecks like I am." Layla continued as she softly sobbed.
Walter walked over and timidly reached for his wife. Facing away from him she felt his touch and quickly turned and buried her face in his chest. "I am sorry for talking to you like that. I know you're worried like I am. You are just handling it better than I am."
"My love, I am not handling it better, you can at least express how you feel, I am holding it in. I am just as torn up as you are." Added Walter.
"Atsaq looked at their kitchen table. Sprawled across it was all of the supplies she had in her first responders' kits and first aid kits. "Kenji, have we received the new shipment of supplies I had ordered for when an emergency happened? Asked Atsaq.
Kenji came in from the living room and came back with a large box addressed to Dr. Ookami. "Here you go, luckily this arrived before the kids had gone to Nenana. They will be available should you need them."
Atsaq accepted the box and quickly opened the package and dumped the contents onto the table as well. "Did you call Grandma Elizabeth?" Atsaq asked as she organized the contents.
"Yes I called your mother and let her know about the storm. Jay and John will be staying there for a few more days since the storm seems to be intensifying."
Atsaq let out a deep breath, "Good at least two of the kids are safe. I just wish I knew where my "little wolf" was."
Kenji heard the tone of his wife's voice. He walked over and hugged her from behind and she worked. Reaching her arm up and caressing his forearm, she rubbed it back and forth a few times as she laid her head against it. He knew it wasn't much but comforting her seemed to be the best option.
As they were holding each other, they heard a faint sound emanating from somewhere. Kenji turned his head and tried to pinpoint the location of the noise. He walked all around the kitchen. Not hearing the noise getting louder he walked into the living room. In the living room the noise got louder. He tracked the noise to the front door.
"I wonder what that is." He asked looking back at Atsaq/ Atsaq just shrugged her shoulders. As they were trying to guess what the sound was. A bark could be heard. Both grew worries because they knew what was making the sound.
"Honey, I could have sworn that was the barking of a dog." Kenji told her walking to the door. Atsaq nodded her head, "I think the first sound we heard was the dog scratching." She also interjected standing.
Realization dawned on Kenji when he was able to identify the sound as a dog scratching. "I believe you are right. I wonder what a dog would be doing out there in this weather. Suki must have escaped from Molly's place."
Atsaq nodded her head, "Maybe." She remarked as she waited for Kenji to open the door. He opened the door and met by a blast of arctic air as snow rushed into the room blinding him. A second later, he was knocked to the ground and covered by giant balls of fur with tongues that were currently set on autopilot.
Atsaq quickly jumped up and ran to close the door and conserve some of the heat the fireplace had been producing. Kenji hugged and petted the two dogs that had just tackled him. "Honey, these are two of the dogs Tooey had with him." Kenji noticed holding them down to prevent them from jumping on him again.
"Why are Cali and Khi here? Did something happen to them besides being lost in the storm?" Atsaq asked standing by the closed door. "I am not sure, but I'll call Auntie Midge, the Mabray's and Daniel letting them know about this."
Atsaq walked to the phone and quickly dialed a number. While she was placing the calls, He grabbed his parka, scarf and gloves and opened the door again, this time to take the dogs to the shed and bed them down.
Midge, Renata, and Oscar were all sitting at the table drinking their second or third cups of tea. Auntie Midge froze when the phone rang. "I've got it mom. You don't have to get up."
Renata walked over and picked up the phone just as it was ringing for the third time. "Hello, Marsh residence." Auntie Midge and Oscar saw her expression become more animated as she was listening to the phone. "Are you sure? This is great news. Some news is better than no news, Thanks Atsaq. We'll see you once the storm passes. Okay, bye." Renata concluded as she replaced the phone on the hook.
"Mom I have some good news and some bad news." Renata stated turning from the phone to her mother and son. Midge raised an eyebrow and waited as her daughter tried to bait her. "Could you just tell us since this is not the time for games."
"Yes ma'am. Kenji called and just told me that two of the sled dogs scratched at their door. Apparently they managed to get free and found their way to the house through the storm."
Auntie Midge quickly stood and ran to the phone and dialed the Trading Post. A few moments later. "
"Denali Trading Post, Layla speaking."
"Layla put me on speaker and get Walter." A few moments later she heard shuffling and then the volume of the call got louder as she was now on speaker.
"Kenji just called and said that two of the dogs that Tooey had on his sled just made it home. He didn't say anything about the kids. Just the dogs, but this is a sign that they might be okay."
"Great news Auntie Midge, I am really glad to be getting some word, the waiting is driving me crazy." Layla admitted.
"You and me both. I need to call Daniel and give him the news as well. When the storm passes, we need to devise a plan for finding the kids."
"Yes Auntie, and again thanks for the update. Our state of mind is a little more at ease, but the kids are still missing but the good thing is this is a start. Thanks again, bye." Added Walter.
Replacing the receiver, she picked it up again and dialed the library. "Denali Library, Daniel speaking."
"Kenji called and told me that two of the dogs from the sled managed to get loose and made their way to his house. There is no additional word about the kids, just the dogs. I really wish I had more." Began Midge.
"This is great, I wish you were calling to say that the kids were safe and back in Qyah. I need to call Joy and let her know what's happening. Thanks for the update, I'll be awaiting more calls when you get more news. Have a good night Auntie Midge. Bye."
"Good night Daniel, we'll plan once the storm passes. Thanks, and you as well." Auntie Midge replaced the phone. She walked over to the radio and started warming it up.
Ten minutes later, "Attention Qyah and all surrounding areas." Two of the dogs from the sled with the kids managed to return to their home kennel. No further word about the kids, just know that the dogs were able to get home. Once the storm passes a search will be commissioned. Volunteers would be welcome and appreciated. More updates to follow as more details come in. Auntie Midge out.
Molly and Tooey sat within the "fort" and listened to the whistling of the wind. From their seats they saw that snow was piling up all around them again. "Does Trini feel warm to you, Molly Nani?"
Molly reached into her parka, extricated Trini's hands, and felt them. "They are warm and not freezing like before. What about her feet?"
Tooey did the same and smiled. "There are warm and toasty. I think she'll be pleased with our efforts."
"Pleased with what efforts. Why do I feel like a raging bull just kicked me? My chest and head hurt badly. Where am I?" asked a confused Trini opening her eyes.
"Trini, you're okay. I am so glad you are awake." Yelled Molly reaching forward and pulling her into hug. Tooey being just as happy joined in the hugging. They ended making a Trini sandwich and they were playing the part of the bread.
"Ouch, let me go!" Screamed Trini.
Alarmed Tooey and Molly immediately released her and quickly exchanged glances. "What's wrong Trini?" asked Molly concerned.
"Like I said before my chest really hurts and hugging me made it hurt more." Exclaimed Trini holding her chest and stomach.
"Why does my chest and head hurt?" Trini asked again trying to take a breath. Molly noticed the very scared look on her face. When we fell you must have hit the boxes and packages we picked up and were delivering to Qyah" said Molly.
"Okay that makes sense. Why are my hands and feet uncovered?"
Molly and Tooey looked from Trini to each other. "When you passed out, I have no idea how long you were on the ground, so I warmed your hands up by placing them into my parka. Tooey did the same thing with your feet."
Trini looked from Tooey to Molly. "Why did you do that? Can I have my socks, shoes, and gloves back please? I don't want your efforts to have been wasted since they'll get cold again." Smiled Trini.
"We did that to keep you from getting frostbite. A really painful condition that happens when your hands and toes get really cold." Said Tooey.
"Oh okay, I know about frostbite. I heard about it happening on Mount Everest. Thanks for helping me out with that. I would not want to experience that. That would have made moving to Alaska a very bad thing." Smiled Trini reaching up and hugging Tooey and Molly gingerly so as not to cause herself any pain.
"Molly, can you look at my chest? I have a really bad pain coming from my sides." Trini stated as she turned towards Molly, opening her jacket, and lifting her shirts.
Molly's quick intake of breath was not comforting to Trini, she tried to lift her shirts higher so she could see, but the rest of her clothes were too bulky, and she couldn't see.
"What's wrong?" Asked Tooey. Molly looked from Trini's chest to Tooey and mouthed the words, "We are going to need your mom." Trini and Tooey blanched as they realized that something was really wrong, and they would not be able to fix it.
"Yes Joy, you heard me correctly. A couple of the dogs must have gotten loose and managed to make it back to Kenji's place. Auntie Midge has taken this as a sign that the kids should be okay." Repeated Daniel.
"Did she say anything about the storms. I have been checking the weather in the area. It's still going to be bad for a few more days. Is she planning to do something once the storms pass?" Joy asked.
"Yes, right. Auntie Midge did mention that once the storm subsides we'll be organizing a search party." Joy shuffled some papers around, Daniel watched as she started writing something. "Honey, what are you doing?" Daniel asked aloud.
Joy showed him a paper, "I'm putting in for leave. I have to be there for when you guys find the kids. "No, you don't have to take leave. We'll probably find them well before you get here. Besides, you would have to deal with the storm when you got here. We don't need that." Sighed Daniel.
"Daniel, I love you and miss you all very much. But I have to be there when my Trini bear is in danger. I will probably get there after the storms, but I'll be there. Nothing is going to stop me. Until then please keep me posted, even if I can't leave for a few days because of the storms, okay?" Joy asked looking at the screen.
"Yes, I'll always keep you posted on everything going on. I love and miss you as well. I'll give her both of our loves when we get them back here. I love you sweetheart. Okay, bye for now." Smiled Daniel.
Closing the phone, Daniel thought to himself, "I hope we find them soon. The longer they are out there the worse things could be. Be safe Molly, Tooey and Texas."
"Waquaa! No, Aana, the kids have not been found yet. A couple of Tooey's dogs got here a little bit ago. "Yes, the dogs can handle the weather, but the kids will be needing shelter." Atsaq rolled her eyes and prayed to the ceiling.
"Yes Aana, I'll let you know if there are any changes in status or if they had returned or been found. Yes, Aana. I'll tell them you love them. I know you love them all regardless of blood. I'll do it. Tua-I-Ngunrituq Aana."
"No, Ti'yaa you don't need to make any special trips back to Qyah. We have it all under control. Yes sir, Auntie Midge is running the show. A search party will be convened once the storms subside." Layal mentioned looking at the window covered with blowing snow.
"Yes, I'll tell your Shgguya and the others that you love them and hope they are all okay. Okay, I'll keep you informed like Schahnyaa would. Mahsi for asking, bye Ti'yaa."
Layla hung up the phone, walked over to the coffee pot and put more on to boil. She then reached behind the counter and pulled out three of the largest mugs along with three packets of hot cocoa with marshmallows and placed them inside the mugs.
"I know it's not much, but this is for you kids when you return home to your families." Prayed Layla.
Molly's intake of breath worried Trini as she continued to hold up her shirt. "Is it that bad Molly?" fretted Trini.
Molly looked for a moment longer and nodded her head. "Trini." Called Tooey.
Trini faced Tooey, "What?" asked a now perplexed Trini.
"Can I see what Molly is talking about?" Without missing a beat, she calmly but gingerly turned around and showed Tooey the marks and bruises she had just shown Molly.
Most of them were bluish-purple, while the rest of almost black. Seeing them Tooey wracked his brain for a second, "Are you having trouble breathing?
"Actually, yes I am, and as much as I liked the hugs, they really freaking hurt when you two reached around me." Admitted Trini lowering her shirt since she was feeling the cold air despite being in the "fort."
"Have you seen this before Tooey?" asked Trini as she buttoned and zipped up her jacket.
Before answering he motioned for Molly to come to him. She sidled over and leaned in for Tooey to whisper in her ear. Trini watched as they exchanged thoughts and words too low for her to hear.
"You guys do know that I am right here, right?" Trini stated in an annoyed voice.
"I agree." Said Molly turning back to Trini.
"Sorry about that Trini, we were just discussing what we think may have happened to you." Molly apologized placing a few hides back onto Trini.
"Okay, what do you think happened when we crashed landed here in this hole?"
"Tooey and I believe you either bruised your ribs or broke them." Trini's expression hardly changed as she let in what she had just heard.
Molly totally expected Trini to freak out after hearing how bad her injuries could be. She was caught off-guard when Trini raised her arms, tried to jump, and squeal. She immediately put them down due to the intense pain.
Catching her breath, she calmly asked, "You guys think I might have actually broken something."
Seeing her demeanor, Molly and Tooey exchanged worried glances but still nodded their heads.
"That is so cool." Squealed Trini without jumping or raising her arms.
"Why is that cool? I thought you would be disappointed because you broke something." Asked Tooey.
"Nope, I have never broken a bone in my life. I am happy that I can now say that I have." Smiled Trini despite the pain.
"Okay." Molly and Tooey exclaimed simultaneously.
"I think I might have gone a little overboard if I broke more than one." Sighed Trini.
"Molly and I believe you have broken most of your ribs and may need some help from my mom."
Without thinking she blurted out, "Why would I need help from Atsaq?" A second later it dawned on her that Atsaq was a doctor. "During the Midnight Fun Sun thing, she helped me with my ankle when I sprained it." Trini admitted.
"Cool." Exclaimed Trini again.
"Why are you happy now?" Tooey asked. "I have been to see your mother when she helped me. That was in her little clinic. I have never been to a hospital for an injury." Trini admitted adjusting her arms under the hides that were covering her.
Glancing at Molly, he shook his head and turned back to Trini., "You've never been in a hospital before either?" asked Molly smiling slightly.
"Yep, never been to one." Smiled Trini.
Tooey just shook his head and joined in smiling as Trini will soon get her wish.
"We have another problem." Molly and Tooey exchanged another glance.
"Yes, Trini?" asked Tooey.
"I have to go to the bathroom and my stomach feels queasy." Mentioned Trini.
Tooey's eyes widened, and he visibly cringed when he heard she was queasy. Molly cringed when she said she had to use the bathroom.
"Moving her is not a good idea. Do you have a shovel we could use Tooey? Plus, I also have a headache myself."
"I don't have anything for headaches but the shovel, it's in the bags on the side of the sled. Actually, it's a pick but it can be used for digging." Tooey stated pointing to the bags strapped to the sled.
"I'm going to round up the dogs and take them for a walk while you are helping Trini." Trying to stand up he nearly fell back down. Molly watched as he tried pushing on his thighs to support himself but fell back down again. He quickly tried again and this time managed to stay upright.
"I'll also look around and see if the storm is letting up." Tooey added. Ten minutes later, after a couple of missteps by a couple of the dogs, Tooey managed to get them all up and out of the hole.
Molly watched and made note of the amount of trouble he was having moving around. "I think something might be wrong with his legs." She thought pressing her hand to her head again. She realized her headache was getting worse. Her own stomach rebelled when she tried to stand up and help Trini. Thankfully, she was able to keep it under control.
She then turned her attention to her injured friend. Molly started removing the hides as Trini started unzipping her jacket trying not to move too much since her stomach was rebelling on her.
Yupik Dictionary
Waquaa! – Hello
Aana – Mother
Tua-I-Ngunrituq – Goodbye
Tuntuvak - Moose
Gwich'in Dictionary
Shgguya – My grandchild
Ti'yaa – My father
Dak Niighit – "She rises into the air" Layla Mabray's Native name.
Shchada'a – My grandfather
Dinjik – Moose