Previously 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 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.
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.
Coming Home
Layla, Atsaq, Renata, and Nina were all seated at the table of Auntie Midge's house. Midge was in the kitchen making tea. "Is everything ready at the Trading Post for when they arrive with the kids.
Layla and Atsaq nodded. "Yes Auntie, once they arrive, we go to the post and get them ready for the hospital. While I am triaging with the help of Nina, and the men. Layla will be prepping the plane for takeoff." Atsaq briefed them accepting the tea Midge had prepared for them.
"Do you think they found them yet. It has been about half an hour since you had landed and then came here." Midge asked Layla and Atsaq. "They were close, so I am sure they would have notified us the second they found the kids. Dad knows we're waiting for any news concerning the rescue." Layla assured Midge.
As the time was passing, the girls enjoyed the tea and conversation. Everything came to a halt when the phone rang. Being the closest, Renata walked over and picked it up. "Hello Renata speaking. You did, that is great. You'll be back in a bit. Okay, I will let everyone know. I'll let you get back to work. See you soon. Bye." Renata hung up the phone and turned and saw the other women and her son, Oscar staring at her.
She smiled, "I have reason to believe you all know what I no longer have to say. Right?" she asked rhetorically. Midge raised an eyebrow. Seeing her mother's expression, she decided that they needed to hear the news whether they knew it or not.
"Nat said, they will be bringing the kids to the Trading Post is about twenty minutes. Apparently, it was planned as the triage area." Renata asked looking at Atsaq. "I am on my way. I need some people to help when they get the kids here. Layla, please get the plane ready. We need to be ready to leave once I have prepped the kids. The more the merrier."
As she stood and started walking to the door, not far behind her were both Nina and Layla.
*A Little While Later at the Denali Trading Post *
"Can you believe it Dad? Now I have to go the hospital. My first time." Trini whispered for everyone in the room to hear. "Yes Texas, I can see that. According to Atsaq, you have several breaks. You might have overdone it, don't you think." Daniel pointed out covering her with a thick hide as she was being strapped to a gurney.
"I know but it was fun, what I remember of it. Ouch!" Trini winced as Atsaq placed an IV line into her wrist. Once Atsaq secured the line, she inserted a needle into the IV and added a pink liquid. Daniel watched as the liquid went down the line and into his daughter's hand and he bloodstream.
"I'll talk more later about this dad," She yawned before laying back and began fluttering her eyes. "I suddenly feel sleepy." A moment later she was out like a light. Daniel hugged her as she slept and kissed her twice. Once for Joy and once for himself.
Daniel took out his phone and started a video call. "Hi honey, Has there been any updates? I saw that the storm ended earlier in the afternoon. How is the search going? Joy asked anxiously.
He answered her slew of questions by turning the phone. Trini entered the frame. "Trini bear, why didn't you tell me they had found her!"
Daniel smiled, "I couldn't tell you because I was one of the ones that found them and brought her back home. Daniel told her holding Trini in the cameras view.
"We brought them to the trading post for treatment before they all were prepared for transport to Anchorage for further testing and treatment. Atsaq just put her to sleep for the trip. Daniel informed her keeping the phone on Trini as she slept.
"My poor baby, this is not going to be easy for her. Based on the videos we had seen. Joy said as her eyes slowly glistened. "Like I said before Joy, we got this. She will be good as new the next time you take leave and come back home." Daniel assured her.
Daniel noticed that while they were talking Joy and reached for something out of view and had been writing on something. She finished what she had been doing and returned to the conversation.
"I know, I just don't like seeing her in pain like she in earlier. You know how I get when it comes to my little Trini bear." Joy smiled. "Yes I know, I love her just as much, I have to go; they will be loading them onto the plane soon. I kissed her twice. Once for me and once for you." Daniel beamed at Joy.
"We're all helping triage. Atsaq is directing. I will update you once I get news from Anchorage. I love you Joy, Trini will be fine." He added. "I know she's in good hands. Both Atsaq's and yours. I love you both very much. I will be waiting for any news. Bye honey." Joy said blowing a kiss and ending the call.
"Dad, are the dogs, okay? Is the sled broken? Did you find Khi and Cali?" Kenji listened as Toory rattled off question after question. "Yes, little wolf, the dogs are fine and are outside being fed as we speak. Now the sled, "Kenji began.
Tooey fretted and began to shake preparing for the bad news that he couldn't drive the sled anymore. "I will check it once we get you all to hospital." Kenji reassured him.
"As for Cali and Khi, surprisingly, they found us. They returned and scratched the front door the day you crashed into the hole. They are at home in the shed." Kenji informed him. Tooey took a deep breath and smiled.
"Thanks dad. How are Molly and Trini?" He wondered aloud looking around the trading post. He saw Molly standing nearby talking to her parents. Trini was on a gurney; she looked like she was sleeping. "I hope they can fix her. She took a bad fall." He whispered. Kenji looked from Tooey to Trini.
"She'll be in good hands, and in a few minutes, you'll be in good hands too." Kenji informed him guiding him to another gurney that had been brought out for him.
Looking at it and touching it, but not sitting on it, Tooey protested with his father. "Dad, I told you. Molly and I are okay. Trini is the one that really needs help. She broke her ribs."
"Your mother took an x-ray of her, and she has three broken ribs. Several of the others had been seriously injured and bruised. She still needs to go to Anchorage for more tests." Kenji told him.
Tooey turned and looked at Trini again as she was sleeping. He turned back to his father, "I am sorry my friends got hurt. I really should have seen that the ground was uneven and avoided it." Kenji watched and listened as his son tried to talk his way out of this trip he was going to be taking.
"I am so very, sorry dad." He pleaded as tears formed and started flowing from his eyes. Seeing this, Kenji reached forward and pulled him into another hug. "Little wolf," Tooey stopped fidgeting and looked intently as his father. "You are not at fault. Storms can be fearsome, and we cannot anticipate mother nature. We are all glad you are all safe back here in Qyah."
"Just wanted to tell you that I did the best I could." Tooey repeated. "We know and are all proud of you. Now hold still for your mom." Kenji ordered. Tooey looked around, he felt his mother taking his arm and wiping it with alcohol. "Mom, Trini is the one that is hurt. I am fine."
"Little wolf, you are all going to Anchorage. This is to help you sleep since I don not want any of you kids to be awake for this trip. You need the rest. Okay young man." Atsaq stated with finality.
'Yes ma'am." Tooey said holding his arm still and allowing the IV to be placed in his arm. A few moments later, he was fast asleep, Thanks to the sedatives and painkillers she had administered.
"We are proud of you. You kept your friends from being hurt worse. You are a good musher." Kenji whispered lowering Tooey onto the gurney.
Checking that the IV is flowing right and not kinked she secured it on his hand and arms. Kenji handled securing him in the gurney for the trip to Anchorage.
"You know he's a worrier. I wonder who he gets that from?" Atsaq said looking at Kenji. Thinking back to the scene in the living room with the medical kits, he decided not to say anything about it. "Yes dear, yes, he does." He then placed a hide over his so he could be warm when in the plane.
Molly surveyed the Trading Post as Atsaq moved between Tooey and Trini. "Mom? Are Tooey and Trini okay? I know Trini is hurt because of me. I also noticed that Tooey's legs have been hurting whenever he tried to stand or climb out of the hole when we were walking the dogs."
As Molly was talking, Layla guided her next to another gurney that had been brought in. "Schahnyaa, all of you are going to the hospital. Atsaq feels that all of you need check-ups and in a few cases, further treatment." Layla relayed helping her onto the gurney.
Molly looked around and found Trini already sleeping on the gurney next to the counter. Next, she looked for Tooey. He was talking to his mother and father close to the storage room.
She was along the wall where the book nook was. "I am sorry I hurt Trini. When she wakes up can you tell her that." She asked as Shchada came over.
"Molly, we saw the videos and Trini said it was not your fault. It could have happened to anyone. She forgave you, now you need to forgive yourself." Nat told her kissing her on the forehead. After he had kissed her forehead. She reached up and pressed her hand to her head.
Layla, Walter, and Nat exchanged glances. Walter walked over to Atsaq and spoke to her. "Yes Shchada." She whispered. "Now when she finishes with Tooey. She is going to She is going to give you some medicine to help with the pain and help you get some rest for the trip." Layla warned her a moment later.
"I just bumped my head, I am fine." Molly countered. "No, buts." Walter told her returning with Atsaq by his side. "Atsaq feels you need to rest and let the adults take it from here. Understand Molly doodle?"
"Yes sir." Molly answered laying down and her mother's insistence. Layla watched as Molly endured a moment's pain as the IV line was placed in her hand and arm. Layla winced when Molly nearly jerked her arm out of Atsaq's grip. Molly squeezed her mother's hand hard when the needle pierced her skin.
Molly watched Atsaq added a colored liquid to the IV. Mere seconds passed before she felt groggy. "I love you mom, dad, and Shchada." Molly tried to say as she calmly fell asleep.
Layla, Walter, and Nat heard "I wuv roo rom, brad, n shaaaa." Before she passed out. They all smiled watching as she slept peacefully. Walter walked to the side and picked up a hide they brought in from the sled and placed it over her. He tucked it in and made sure her face was covered for the trip to the plane since the wind was still blowing hard.
Atsaq removed her gloves. She looked around the room at all of the kids that were being prepped for movement to the plane. "Kenji, can you get the trash and place everything into biohazard bags? Also place them onto the plane while I help Layla load the kids." Atsaq asked.
"No, Daniel, Walter, Nat, and I are going to load the kids. You have done enough. The others can help clean up as we prepare them for transport. Kenji countered.
"Okay, thanks dear. We will be in the plane preparing for take-off." Atsaq told them all.
Daniel, Water, Kenji, and Nat checked that the kids were all covered from head to toe because of the weather. They rolled the kids through the Trading Post, and out of the back door towards the runway. Each child was uploaded carefully and locked into place. As they were securing the kids Layla was in the process of her pre-flight checks.
Atsaq took her time and checked a personal bag she had beside her seat. Layla glanced over to the bag before Atsaq zipped it up. She saw the scrubs Atsaq usually wore when doing her rounds at the Anchorage hospital whenever she was needed or volunteered.
"Are we dropping off the kids, or are you remaining there? Do you need me to stay there with you? Layla asked looking at her checklists. Atsaq looked up after stowing her bag. "I will be staying there. I may be needed for more than just the kids. If there are a lot of cases, I help them out." Atsaq told her putting on her headset.
Layla gave Atsaq a thumb-up as she listened to the control tower in Nenana giving her clearance for takeoff and travel south towards the Anchorage Native Medical Center.
A few minutes passed before the men watched as the plane carrying their kids and grandchild, lifted off into the dark night heading for Anchorage and better treatment.
* Anchorage Native Medical Center, Anchorage, Alaska *
Putting down her magazine, Layla took a moment to look around the waiting room. She observed the other people there. She watched as some of the others were waiting to be seen by the various people in lab coat, scrubs and suits. Looking at her watch she saw that she had been sitting there for at least five hours and twenty-five minutes.
"I wonder how Molly is doing. I saw her favoring her head. I am guessing she must have hurt it during the fall or hitting Trini. I am just not sure." Her thoughts were interrupted when the public address blared, "Mrs. Mabray, please report to the emergency room, information desk. Thank you." Hearing her name, she quickly stood and walked to the desk.
"Hello Catherine, what's up? She asked, stopping in front of the receptionist. "Hey Layla, it's good to see you. I mean, usually it's good to see you. This time is a little more personal." Layla smiled despite Catherine's change in demeanor.
"Just wanted to tell you, you can go inside. Examination room three." Catherine told her pushing the button that allowed access to the examination rooms. "Thank you, Catherine. See you later." Layla waved walking past the desk.
She entered the double door and walked past the nurses station. She waved at the nurse's she had mt numerous times when bringing people to the hospital from Qyah and other villages.
Entering the designated room, Layla found Molly sitting up in the examination bed. Molly instantly perked up when she saw her mother entering the room. "How are you Molly cub?" She asked, kissing her on her forehead.
Molly smiled, "I feel fine. Atsaq said she'll update us when she came back. She said she was going to check on Tooey and Trini. She never updated be about how they were doing. I have been worried about them." Molly informed her as she was looking down. She was feeling sad not knowing about her friends.
Layla watched her daughter's jovial demeanor disappeared in an instant when it came to her friends. Sitting next to the bed in an extra chair, "She has to alert their parents before she'll give you a status update." Layla said. Molly smiled but stared at her mother.
"Mom, her son is Tooey, so the only one I am waiting on is Trini. She is the one I am most concerned about. Tooey seemed fine to me, except…" Molly trailed off declining to speak further.
Hearing her daughter's tone, "I can understand why you would be concerned. She'll be fine. The best care in this area is right here, and Atsaq is a part of it. We trust her, So I am not worried." Layla tried to reassure Molly.
Molly's expression didn't change. "Just remember, do not beat yourself up over this. Trini does not hold you at fault, and neither should you or Tooey. Things happen we cannot anticipate. Period." Layla said reaching for Molly's chin and lifting it from looking at the floor.
She nodded but still retreated into her mind when her mother finished speaking. "She may have forgiven me, but her injuries wouldn't have happened if I hadn't fallen on her."
Layla witnessed the sadness Molly's face and body remain. "I wish she didn't blame herself so. She would never hurt a fly. I know she accidentally hurt one of her best friends. I really hope she feels better once Trini has been taken care of." Layla thought to herself as she watched Molly.
Layla scooted forward and hugged Molly. Molly absently hugged her back. Layla knew she was deep in thought since she really didn't put any feeling into the hug. Her mind was elsewhere.
"Mom, I never hit anything. How could I break something?" Tooey asked as Atsaq was lowering the railing on the side of his bed. She opened his gown and pulled his legs off the side of the bed.
"Ouch!" Tooey grunted. "Mom, what are you doing?" I am not hurt, ow. Trini is." Tooey nearly screamed trying to stop her from moving his legs.
Atsaq watched him wince when she moved his legs. She glared at him. Looking from his legs to his mother he instantly stopped. He knew that look. He was really close to getting in trouble. "Young man, I am talking to you as your doctor and not your mother. Let me do my job. Do you understand?"
Tooey gulped and dropped his hands to his sides. "Yes ma'am, Can I ask what you think is wrong?"
"Yes, you can. You have a hairline fracture in both of your legs. To prevent further injury, I'll be bracing them." Tooey was surprised when he heard that he did break something. "You will not be able to walk while you are wearing them." Tooey looked from his mother to his legs and back again.
"Wouldn't my legs be black and blue like Trini's chest was? I don't see any colors like that." He asked opening the gown and looking at his legs again. Atsaq shook her head a few times. "You breaks for smaller than what happened to Trini. I am having a wheelchair placed onto the plane for when we fly back to Qyah."
He was again surprised, "Huh? How did that happen? I never felt like they were broken." He told her in a panicked voice. "According to the videos we had seen. Molly mentioned that she hit her head, and also had fallen on Trini. You also said when you fell into the hole, your legs hit the brace that was in front of you when you landed. I believe this may have been when you cracked the bones in your legs." She said holding up the x-rays.
"Thin fractures like this can go unnoticed but later, can be very painful once the bones shift. I need you to use the wheelchair for at least six weeks. Walking on them could make the problem worse." She said pointing out the fractures in the x-rays and watching his reaction.
"Yes, Dr. Ookami." Tooey acknowledged with a slight smile on his face. Atsaq smiled as she realized he was now talking to her as his doctor like she had wanted in the beginning. "When my mother comes back. Let her know I want to speak to her. Could you please doctor?" Tooey asked as she was opening the package that held his braces. "Yes Mr. Ookami, when I am done I'll let her know you would like to have a word with her." Atsaq told him smiling.
She didn't say anything for a few minutes as she was rolling them up his legs and securing them with the straps that tied two above the knee and two below the knee. "Dr. Ookami, do you have a moment?"
Turning she saw a nurse. "Yes, please give me a moment. I need to talk to my son." The nurse nodded, "I'll be back in a moment, then." She said leaving and returning to the nurse's station.
She then showed him how to unroll them whenever he needed to remove them. Once she was satisfied that he knew what needed to be done when using the braces, she lifted her head and smiled.
"What did you want to tell or ask me about?" she asked removing her gloves. "How are Trini and Molly?" He asked simply. Dr. Ookami's expression darkened before she turned towards her son. She did smile though, "I am not at liberty to discuss the treatments of other patients. Not until their parents or guardians have been notified. Only then can their care or disposition be discussed. Am I clear Tooey?"
Tooey looked down as she was talking. "I am just concerned mom. Thanks for at least telling me that." H sighed as he laid back and covered himself with the warming blanket he had been given.
Atsaq saw his demeanor change when she told him about having to respect the privacy of her other patients. Tooey turned towards the wall as best he could since the braces were tight and restricted his movement.
"Dr. Ookami, are you free now? Sanda asked. Taking a final look at her son's back, she turned and faced the nurse that had been speaking to her. "Yes, what's up?" Atsaq acknowledged walking out of the examination room.
"Trini Mumford had just been wheeled into surgery. She should be out in about an hour or an hour and a half. Just thought you should know." Sandra relayed.
"Thanks, I'll inform her parents. Thanks Sandra." Atsaq waved as she walked from the nurse's station to Trini's exam room. She picked up the chart and walked into the exam room where Molly and Layla were sitting.
"Hi Layla." She said waving as she entered. "Molly, how are you feeling?" Atsaq asked picking up her chart from the entrance of the room and walking inside.
"Atsaq, I am feeling okay. My head no longer hurts. What happened?' Molly asked aloud. Looking at the chart even though she didn't need to. She hesitated for a moment. "You suffered a concussion, thanks to meeting Trini's head when you all fell into the hole. You were given medicine to ease the pain for the moment."
Turning her attention to Layla. She handed her the prescription she had written. "This medicine I'm giving you should keep the pain at bay until the swelling returns to normal. You'll be taking it for a few days. It should help with the symptoms you'll be experiencing soon."
Layla listened as Atsaq informed Molly about what had happened to her head. "Layla, when you get a chance. Go to the pharmacy and get the headache medicine, and nausea pills I ordered. She'll be needing to take them twice a day for about a week to start. If it persists, we'll address it then. For now, this should do." She indicated pointing at the prescription.
Sure thing, I am on it." Layla said walking out of the exam room. "How is everyone else. Atsaq." She sighed and took a deep breath. "Tooey is resting, and Trini is in surgery." Atsaq told her.
"I wish I could tell you more, but I cannot do that. Sorry Molly. Doctor-Patient confidentiality." Molly frowned and looked down at the floor. "Oh, I understand, I was just hoping they were both okay."
Sitting next to her on the chair her mother had been in, Atsaq reached over and held Molly's hand. "Molly, everyone is being taken care of. When everyone is finished, we will bring you all together and give updates, okay?" Atsaq asked looking at her.
"Yes, Atsaq." Molly agreed still bowing her head. Atsaq released her hand and watched as just like Tooey, she retreated into her own mind and was just as depressed. Atsaq could only shake her head as she walked out of the room and replaced the chart just outside of the room enclosure.
* Qyah Library, Qyah, Alaska *
"Yes, she was just rolled into surgery. No, the nurse didn't tell exactly how long she would be. I was told it could be an hour or longer." Daniel relayed.
"What was the extent of the injuries the kids sustained?" Joy asked. "Well, from what Atsaq said. She suffered a few broken ribs, and surgery would be needed to ensure they healed properly. This was necessary since her ribcage was nearly crushed against what they were supposed to be delivering to Qyah." Daniel explained.
"Any word on the others?" Joy asked aloud. "I have no idea. Atsaq would not tell me. She said we'd be told when all of the kids are in the recovery room. Daniel added smiling.
"That's good. Glad to hear the others are better since you had found them earlier." Joy beamed. Both Joy and Daniel smiled. "Honey, please keep me informed as to what is going on with the kids. I must get back to work. I love you and miss everybody. Bye for now." Joy said as she blew him a kiss before blowing a second one. "Joy, I could never do anything without letting you know about it." He replied turning off the phone.
"Nat, has Layla called back yet?" No Walter. She has not called back yet. I can almost guarantee she will call as soon as something changes. I wouldn't worry about it." Nat stated putting another log onto the fire.
Walter looked at the phone on its stand. He wondered how everyone was doing in Anchorage. "Nat, do you think we should drive to Anchorage?" He asked.
"I wouldn't because we would have to dig out to the truck. Then we'd have to navigate the snowy roads. If we did, we'd be in a worse situation than the kids were in." Nat stated.
Walter thought it over, "Yeah, you're right. Calling would be a better option. Back in a moment." Nat watched as Walter stood and retrieved the phone and quickly dialed Layla's number.
"A few seconds later, Layla answered the phone. "Hi honey, what's up?" "Hey honey, I am calling because Nat was curious as to what was going on with the kids." Walter looked over and saw Nat smiling as he was shaking his head.
"Really," Layla said sarcastically. "I happen to know when Dad is worried. He would have called himself." Layla said confronting her husband. Walter smiled as he noticed Nat had heard his daughter defending him. "I am glad this isn't on video." Walter thought to himself.
"Okay honey, I was wondering. How is Molly doodle? Instead of answering, he heard the phone being shuffled. "Hi, dad." Molly began.
"Molly doodle, how are you feeling?" He asked. "I am fine, my head has been hurting a lot, but Atsaq gave me something for the pain and the swelling she says I have. As for Tooey, and Trini. Atsaq is not telling. She said we'll all be updated later after Trini is out of surgery. Tooey is resting from what Atsaq told me." Molly mentioned softly lowering her voice.
Layla listened and observed as Molly was talking to er father. She picked up Molly's phone and placed it on the charger she had brought with her. The phone had not been charged since they had left for Nenana. Molly looked up and saw her mother charging her phone. She lifted her head and smiled.
Despite the distance, Layla and Water noticed their daughter's demeanor and voice change as she was talking. Layla sighed again and wished she could help her daughter to understand that she would have never hurt Trini and could not have helped what had happened.
Walter heard her voice, he sighed quietly. "Let you mother know we also want an update when you get it. Okay, Molly doodle?"
"Yes sir. Molly quietly answered passing the phone to her mother. "Mom, dad asked for an update when Atsaq updates us. When Trini and Tooey are healing and recovering."
Layla accepted the phone, "Honey, I'll call when the kids are getting together. Relay to dad, and Auntie Midge."
"Sure thing, I'll be awaiting your call. Layla, please keep an eye on Molly. She sounds depressed. She is not at fault. She needs to stop blaming herself. See what you can do, okay?" He asked.
"I'll do what I can. I'll call when they are ready. Bye honey." Layla said clicking the phone off and placing it in her flight bag. Layla shook her head as Molly turned away from her and stared at the wall. She reached over and stroked her hair and brushed it lightly.
Layla watched as her daughter retreated into her mind like she always did when thinking deeply.
"Atsaq, will you guys be returning this morning, or should we be expecting you back tomorrow or the next day?" Midge asked looking at her computer.
"We should be back by tomorrow. Trini is going to remain here; she will be needing some more time here to recover after her surgery. How is the weather forecast for the next few days?" Atsaq asked apprehensively.
Atsaq heard some typing and Midge making some sounds as she was reading whatever she was looking at. "Why am I getting the feeling that I am not going to like your report?" Atsaq said with dread in her voice.
"You're right. The forecast will not be good. However, we have the necessary equipment to keep the runway clear and ready for you all to return home whenever you do." Midge said smiling.
"How much snow are we expecting? Will Mr. Rowley, and Mr. Patak be able to manage it?" she asked, looking out of the window.
Midge consulted her computer, "Thankfully not as much as we've been receiving. I believe they'll manage. Just bring those kids home safe please."
"Yes, Auntie Midge will do." Atsaq affirmed hanging up the phone.
She then dialed the phone a few moments later Mr. Rowley answered. "Hello Midge, what can I do for you?"
"Just talked to Atsaq, they'll be bringing the kids back either tomorrow or the next day. Could you and Mr. Patak plow the runway again?"
"I'll call Patak, and coordinate when we can do that. Please let us know when they'll be expected, and we'll start plowing before they arrive."
"Sure thing Mr. Rowley, I'll call when Atsaq lets me know they're either being discharged or loaded up." Midge relayed.
* Alaska Regional Hospital, Anchorage, Alaska *
Trini opened her eyes and looked around. She didn't recognize anything for a few moments. She turned towards the window and quickly closed her eyes. "Where am I?" She asked herself very groggily.
"I sound like dad. What happened?" she asked, opening her eyes again and looking around. Only after looking down and noticing her bed and the white sheets did she remember that she was in the hospital for the first time in her life.
Continuing to look around, she tried to take a deep breath and noticed she was not able to get one. Reaching down, she lifted her gown and noticed she had a brace around her ribs. "I wonder what they did to me, I still hurt." She looked at the side of the bed and saw the remote control.
Picking it up, she saw the numbers on it. One of the buttons had a red cross on it. She also saw the words "nurse" printed below it. Shrugging her shoulders, she pressed the button. From her bed she heard a ding sound in the area outside of her room.
A few moments later she heard a knock on the door. Trini answered, "Come in." A nurse pulled the curtain aside and entered the room.
She was smiling, "Yes Ms. Mumford, how can I help you?" "I have a couple of things I think I need." Trini began.
"I'll do my best, what is it that you require Ms. Mumford?" she asked.
Trini tried to take another breath and still found it hard, but thankfully not as hard as when they were trapped in the hole earlier or was it yesterday." She wondered. "Ma'am, when did I get here?"
"You arrived with your family and friends yesterday. You have been out of surgery for several hours. Is your voice scratchy, or are you thirsty?" She inquired.
"Yes, please. Where are my friends? Can I see them? Where's Atsaq? Can I call my dad? Also, where's the bathroom?" Trini asked sheepishly but in succession.
The nurse smiled and raised her hand before answering. "Ok, I'll try to answer as best I can Ms. Mumford." The nurse told her smiling. "Yes, I can bring you some water. Your friends are in other rooms nearby. Atsaq will be the one to let you know if you can see them. She is taking care of your friends as well as a few others here that need care just like you did."
She smiled as the nurse continued answering her questions. "There is a phone right next to you. You can call him anytime you like." She turned her head and noticed the phone next to the bed.
"Last but not least, the bathroom is outside your room on the right, next to the water fountain. Do you need help getting to the restroom?" She asked.
Looking at both sides of the bed she didn't see her sneakers. "Ma'am where are my clothes?" she asked, looking under her gown and noticing she was wearing just her underwear.
Smiling again, the nurse walked over and opened the closet and showed her where her clothes were being stored. "They're right here, but we require you to remain in your gown for the time being. Just in case the doctor needs to check on you, your regular clothes could get in the way."
"Oh ok, I was just wondering since it is kind of chilly in here." Trini mentioned shivering.
"I understand but the hospital usually maintains this temperature for the sake of keeping people safe and healthy. I can get you another blanket while you're gone if you'd like?" she offered.
"Yes, please and thank you for your help." Trini mentioned trying to move to the side of the bed and finding it hard with the IV still in her arm. "Ouch, that hurts." She exclaimed pausing, since moving her arm kind of hurt.
"Can you remove this so I can go to the bathroom?" Trini asked, holding her arm out to the nurse. Before she could answer there was another knock on the door leading into the room. "Come in." the nurse answered.
"I don't think that would be a good idea Ms. Mumford." She heard the sound coming from the door. She perked up when Atsaq walked into the room carrying a couple of clipboards and was accompanied by Layla pushing a wheelchair.
"Does someone need to go to the bathroom?" Layla asked, pushing the chair beside the bed. "Yes, I do, I feel like I've been holding it for hours." Trini admitted sliding over to the edge of the bed.
"Well, technically you have been. Your surgery was yesterday, and you have been sedated since coming out." Atsaq mentioned handing her a pair of textured socks for her to wear.
Layla locked the wheels and helped Trini get into the chair once she had placed the socks onto her feet. At the same time, the nurse Trini had been talking to retrieved the stand where the IV was and brought it around the bed. "Layla I can walk, why do I need to use the chair?"
"Hospital rules, everyone has to use a chair while in the emergency room." Interjected Atsaq. "Oh okay." Trini softly said.
Before she could use the restroom, she was instructed to take the IV stand with her and keep it near her, so she didn't accidentally pull the catheters out of her arm. When she finished in the restroom, she called out to Layla who was in the room with her. "Can you please wheel me to the sink." She asked pointing to the sinks. "Yes, Trini I can." Layla told her turning the chair and brining her closer to the sink.
Sitting back down, she watched as Layla wheeled her back into the main room of the emergency room. She was pleasantly surprised to see her friends waiting for her also in wheelchairs. Her excitement was short-lived when she saw Tooey's legs wrapped in a light blue kind of leggings.
"Tooey what happened?" She nearly screamed. "Hi Trini, Mom said there are a couple of small fractures in my legs, and I need to wear these braces and use this chair for a few weeks." Tooey mentioned smiling slightly.
Her jaw dropped when she heard that he would be needing the chair for so long. "Holy cow, that's a long time." She said with awe in her voice. "Hi Trini. How are you feeling?" Molly asked.
"A lot better since I was able to use the bathroom, but I feel even better seeing you guys." Trini gushed. "We're happy to see you too." Molly and Tooey said simultaneously. "We really need to stop doing that." Molly said, turning to Tooey.
"Are you sure, it kind of feels good to know we are all thinking the same things. It shows how good we are as friends." Tooey mentioned smiling.
While the kids were talking, Layla, Atsaq and the nurse were off to the side talking amongst themselves. After their discussion, they each went to a different chair, unlocked them, and started wheeling the kids out of the emergency room and into another room that had a regular door instead of a sliding door.
"Mom, why are we here? Why couldn't we continue talking in the hall." Molly asked. "We moved you here so as not to disturb the other patients that may have been trying to rest after their surgeries and procedures." Atsaq told them.
"Oh." They all said, before laughing. Layla and Atsaq just rolled their eyes, and both said "Kids." Laughing themselves.
Yupik Dictionary
Waquaa! – Hello
Aana – Mother
Tua-Ingunnituq – Goodbye
Tuntuvak – Moose
Quyana – Thank you
Quyana Tailuci! – Thank you for coming
Gwich'in Dictionary
Sheggoya – My grandchild
Ti'yaa – My father
Dak Niighit – "She rises into the air" Layla Mabray's Native name.
Shchada – My grandfather
Dinjik – Moose
Khoh t'án - Rose
Shahnyaa – One who informs us – Molly's native name