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.

In case anyone is wondering. I am not sexualizing this story. The kids are twelve, and are just exploring. No action during this will venture into that level of maturity. I am using personal experiences and familiarity where the characters are concerned.

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.

One more item of note. I keep receiving email from people offering to illustrate this story. I will not accept any offers since I do not own, nor will I profit from this story. I am writing it because I like writing.

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.

Chivalry Isn't Dead

* Ookami Residence *

Tooey ignored the dull, persistent ache radiating through his still swollen legs as he focused entirely on Molly. His muscles protested every movement, but he pushed all of that aside. She needed him. That was the only thing that mattered.

"I'm going to help you," he said firmly, his hands hovering near her as she started to sit up. "Just in case you pass out again."

Molly let out a tired, but slightly exasperated sigh. "Tooey, I don't think I'm going to pass out again. I really don't feel that bad anymore."

Tooey gave her a skeptical look, his brown eyes sharp as they studied her face. "How many times have you passed out before?"

Molly furrowed her brows, trying to remember. "Um… never, I think?"

"Exactly," he replied, his tone matter-of-fact. "That's because you wouldn't remember it."

Molly opened her mouth to argue but quickly shut it again. Her eyes narrowed as she gave him a stubborn glare before muttering, "Fine. You win."

Tooey smirked, though the amusement in his expression was fleeting. He turned slightly toward the door and called out, "Mom, can you get the shower ready, please?"

Atsaq, who had been lingering just outside the room, nodded before heading into the bathroom, the sound of running water following soon after.

Meanwhile, Tooey adjusted his wheelchair and rolled it closer to the bed, stopping right beside Molly. He reached for her hands, his grip warm and firm. "Take your time," he said, his voice gentle but serious. "No rush."

Molly exhaled slowly, using the armrest of his wheelchair as leverage to lift herself into a standing position. Immediately, a wave of dizziness hit her, and she had to squeeze her eyes shut for a moment. Her knees wobbled slightly, but Tooey's steady presence kept her grounded.

"You good?" he asked, his concern evident in the slight tightness of his voice.

Molly blinked a few times, allowing the feeling to pass before giving a hesitant nod. "Yeah… I think so."

"Alright." Tooey watched her carefully. "You can stand there as long as you need before we move."

Molly took a few steadying breaths, flexing her fingers against the wheelchair's armrest. Once she felt more stable, she turned to him. "Okay. Let's go."

Tooey started to roll forward, staying close to her side, but they quickly realized the doorway was too narrow for them to walk side by side. Tooey sighed and looked up at her. "Okay, push me for a sec. Just until we're in the hallway."

Molly arched a brow, amused despite herself. "Bossy much?"

Tooey smirked. "I'd do it myself, but y'know, wheels and door frames don't mix. Besides, I still want you to be stable, so holding the handles should be fine"

Molly let out a small laugh and placed her hands on the back of his wheelchair, carefully guiding him into the hallway. Once they had enough space, Tooey reached for her hand, and they resumed walking side by side toward the bathroom.

Inside, warm steam curled from the shower, filling the air with a soothing heat. The sound of water cascading down onto the porcelain tub echoed in the small space. The mirror was already beginning to fog over, distorting their reflections.

Atsaq stood by the sink, glancing between the two of them. Then, with a perfectly straight face, she asked, "So, are you going to join her?"

Tooey calmly looked at his mother, "Mom, no! We can't both fit in the tub, and you have to stand in a shower!"

Atsaq tapped her chin, as if considering his response, then finally nodded. "You're right." Without another word, she turned and left, only to return a moment later with their swimwear. She placed them neatly on the closed toilet seat before giving Tooey a pointed look. "This should help."

Then, with a knowing smirk, she exited the bathroom, closing the door behind her. She heard, "Thanks, Mom." Before the door had fully closed.

Tooey let out a slow breath, his cheeks burning slightly. He shook his head before turning his attention fully back to Molly. His eyes tracked her every movement, not just out of caution but out of pure instinct. He wasn't just watching for dizziness—he was monitoring every subtle change, the way her body reacted, the faint tremor in her hands, the color in her cheeks.

Molly reached for the swimwear, pausing briefly as she glanced at him. "I'm fine, you know."

Tooey didn't answer immediately. He stayed still, his gaze steady. "I just want to be sure," he murmured, his voice quieter now, more serious.

Molly held his gaze for a long moment before sighing softly. She could see it in his eyes—the deep worry, the protectiveness, the way he held onto the fear from the night before. He had been scared. Really scared.

Without thinking, she reached out and placed a hand on his cheek, her fingers gently brushing against his skin. "Thank you," she said softly.

Tooey blinked in surprise but quickly leaned into her touch. He lifted his hand, placing it over hers, holding it there for a moment before giving it a small squeeze.

"You don't have to thank me," he said. "Just… don't scare me like that again, okay?"

Molly gave him a small, reassuring smile. "I'll try my best."

Molly holding the swim shorts looked from the shower back to Tooey. Tooey watching her, wondered what was on her mind. "What 's wrong Molly?"

Molly smiled, "Just thinking, do we really need these?" Tooey shrugged his shoulders. "We still have mom here, would she approve if we didn't?" Tooey asked. Molly shrugged herself, "I guess we can talk to Atsaq and Mom, and see what they think about it." Tooey nodded.

She turned away and slowly began changing into her swimwear, aware that Tooey's eyes never left her—not out of anything improper, but because he was watching, waiting, ready to catch her the second she showed any sign of weakness.

And somehow, knowing he was there made her feel just a little stronger.

* Mumford Residence *

Trini lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind replaying Robbie's words over and over again like a song stuck on repeat. She hugged her pillow to her chest, feeling a strange mix of warmth and confusion settle in her stomach. The phone sat on her nightstand, charging, but its presence felt heavy, as if the conversation from earlier still lingered in the air.

With a frustrated sigh, she sat up, running a hand through her hair. She had to talk to someone about this before she drove herself crazy. Standing, she made her way down the hall and into the living room, where her parents sat together, enjoying a rare quiet moment.

Joy looked up first, immediately noticing her daughter's unsettled expression. "Something on your mind, sweetheart?"

Trini hesitated before slowly sitting down across from them, tucking her legs beneath her. She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "I… I was talking to Robbie earlier." She bit her lip, unsure of how to phrase what was bothering her. "And he said something that I don't know how to take."

Daniel leaned in slightly, his expression calm and attentive. "What did he say?"

Trini hesitated again, playing with the hem of her sleeve. "He… he called me the most beautiful girl he had ever seen." The words felt heavy as she said them out loud, as if speaking them made them more real.

Joy's eyebrows lifted slightly, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "And that's a bad thing because…?"

Trini groaned, slumping against the couch. "Because I don't know if he really meant it or if he was just saying it because of how we met." She glanced between them, trying to gauge their reactions. "I mean, when he first saw me, I was standing in front of the sink in just my underwear." She buried her face in her hands. "What if he only said it because of that?"

Daniel chuckled softly. "Well, I doubt he would have said it now if that was the only reason. That happened a while ago, didn't it?"

Trini lifted her head slightly, frowning. "Yeah, but… he said it so casually. Like it was just a fact. And that's what's messing me up." She exhaled, staring at her hands. "He wasn't flirting, he wasn't being dramatic about it… he just… said it. And I can't help but believe him."

Joy leaned forward, resting a hand on Trini's knee. "So, what's really bothering you? That he said it? Or that you believe him?"

Trini groaned again, falling back against the couch. "Both! I don't know how to think about it, or how to feel about it. And I have no idea what I should do if anything."

Daniel smiled gently. "Well, do you want to do something about it?"

Trini blinked up at him, caught off guard by the question. "I… I don't know," she admitted. "I mean, I like talking to him. I like spending time with him. But what if he didn't mean it in that way? What if I bring it up and make things weird?"

Joy squeezed her knee reassuringly. "Sweetheart, you won't know unless you ask. But I think the fact that it's stuck in your head like this says a lot."

Trini chewed on her bottom lip, mulling it over. "So… you think I should say something?"

Daniel shrugged. "Only if you want to. If it's something that's bothering you, then yes, talk to him. If you'd rather wait and see if he brings it up again, that's fine too."

Joy smirked. "Or, you know, you could just accept that the boy thinks you're beautiful and enjoy it."

Trini's face burned bright red. "Mom!"

Joy laughed, nudging her playfully. "What? It's true!"

Trini huffed, crossing her arms. "I'll think about it," she muttered.

But deep down, she already knew—this wasn't something she could ignore. And sooner or later, she was going to have to figure out what it all meant.

Back in her room, Trini sat on her bed, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on the blanket as she replayed the conversation with her parents. Their words lingered in her mind, each piece of advice twisting and turning as she tried to figure out what she truly wanted to do.

Before she knew it, her mother's voice rang out from the kitchen. "Trini! Lunch is ready!"

Snapping out of her thoughts, she turned toward the clock on her nightstand. Her eyes widened when she realized she had been lost in her own head for the last hour and a half. Boy, time sure flies when you're thinking about stuff, she mused, shaking her head.

She made her way to the kitchen and sat down with her parents, quietly eating her lunch. The silence didn't last long.

"So…" Daniel started, glancing at her with an amused expression. "Did you call Robbie yet?"

Trini paused mid-bite, feeling a sudden wave of nervousness hit her. She swallowed and shook her head. "Not yet. I was going to call him after lunch."

Joy smirked knowingly. "Still overthinking it?"

Trini sighed. "Maybe. I just… I don't want to make things awkward."

Daniel chuckled. "Sounds like you're just delaying the inevitable."

Trini didn't argue. Instead, she quickly finished her meal, placed her plate in the sink, and headed back to her room. Closing the door behind her, she took a deep breath and grabbed her phone. Okay, just do it. Don't think, just call.

With that thought, she dialed Robbie's number. The phone barely rang twice before he picked up.

"Hey, Trini," Robbie greeted, his voice warm and familiar.

"Hey," she replied, a little nervous now that she was actually on the call. Before she could stop herself, the words slipped out.

"Did you mean it?"

There was a brief pause. "Mean what?"

Trini took a breath, her heart thudding in her chest. "When you called me the most beautiful girl you've ever seen."

Without hesitation, Robbie answered. "Yeah. I meant it."

Trini blinked. She hadn't expected such a quick and confident response. "You—wait, really?"

"Of course," he said simply, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Trini sat down on her bed, her fingers tightening around the phone. She had expected to overanalyze his response, to find some hesitation or uncertainty, but there was none. He was serious.

"Why?" she asked softly. "Why am I the most beautiful girl you've ever seen? Please explain to me why you feel that way."

There was a brief silence, and Trini held her breath, waiting. Then, Robbie spoke, his voice steady but thoughtful.

"I don't know if I can explain it in a way that makes sense," he admitted. "But when I look at you… it's not just about how you look, though, yeah, you're really pretty. It's everything. The way you carry yourself, the way you talk, the way you smile when you don't realize it. It's how you get fired up about stuff you care about and how you try so hard even when things get tough. And yeah… the first time I saw you, you were in your underwear, but that's not what I remember most about that moment."

Trini swallowed, feeling her face heat up. "What do you remember?"

"I remember how you didn't freak out, even though I probably scared you," Robbie said with a small chuckle. "I remember how you looked at me like I was just another person, not some random guy barging into the bathroom by accident. And after that… every time I've seen you, I just… I don't know, Trini. You're just beautiful to me. Always have been."

Trini was silent, her heart racing. She hadn't expected him to say all that. She had thought maybe he'd give a simple answer or brush it off, but instead, he had given her this.

Something warm settled in her chest, a feeling she couldn't quite name.

"…Oh," was all she managed to say.

Robbie chuckled. "That's it? Just 'oh'?"

Trini laughed nervously, rubbing her arm. "I don't know what to say, honestly. I wasn't expecting you to say all that."

"Well, I did," he said simply. "And I meant every word."

Trini bit her lip, feeling something shift inside her. Maybe her parents were right—maybe she should just accept it. Maybe… she didn't have to overthink this.

"…Thanks, Robbie," she said softly.

"Anytime, Trini," he replied, his voice just as soft.

And for the first time that day, she didn't feel so confused anymore.

* Ookami Residence & Trading Post *

Molly finished her shower, the warm water having soothed her aching body. As she turns off the faucet, she takes a deep breath, feeling refreshed but still a bit weak. She carefully steps onto the bathmat, and Tooey is already there with a towel in his hands, ready to help her.

Gently, he wraps the towel around her shoulders, patting down her damp skin with slow, careful movements. He avoids making her feel like she's helpless but ensures she doesn't overexert herself. She shivers slightly from the cool air in the bathroom, and Tooey instinctively pulls the towel tighter around her, rubbing her arms to warm her up.

Her wet swim shorts and T-shirt are left in the bathroom as Tooey leads her back into the bedroom. He stays close, his chair rolling steadily beside her as she takes slow, measured steps. Each one feels like a test, and she grips the towel tightly around her body as she moves.

Once back in the room, Tooey helps her settle onto the bed. His hands linger briefly on her back, making sure she's steady before he wheels himself over to her bag. He rummages through it, pulling out a comfortable set of clothes, then rolls back over and places them beside her.

Molly watches him with gratitude, her heart warming at the care in his actions. She knows he's still in pain from keeping his braces on all night, yet here he is, putting her needs before his own.

Taking a deep breath, she slowly rises from the bed, letting the towel fall from her shoulders. She steadies herself against the bunkbed frame, feeling a brief wave of light-headedness. Tooey notices immediately, his hands tensing on the wheels of his chair, ready to help if needed.

"I'm okay," she reassures him, though she keeps a firm grip on the bed.

She moves carefully, slipping into her clothes at a slow pace, using the bunkbed and the arm of Tooey's chair whenever she needs to steady herself. Every movement feels deliberate, a test of her strength.

Tooey watches her closely, his eyes filled with both concern and admiration. He doesn't rush her, doesn't say anything—he just stays ready, just in case. And even though she knows she's still weak, having him there makes her feel safe.

Tooey remains in his wheelchair, watching Molly carefully as she takes a deep breath, steadying herself after dressing. He notices the way her fingers slightly tremble as they adjust the hem of her shirt, a lingering sign of the exhaustion still clinging to her. His sharp eyes don't miss the way her shoulders subtly tense before she speaks.

"I can take the swim clothes downstairs and put them in the dryer," she says, her voice determined but not as strong as usual.

Tooey doesn't respond right away. Instead, he leans forward in his chair, reaching for her hand and gently tugging her toward him. The moment she's close enough, he wraps his arms around her waist, resting his forehead lightly against her stomach.

"Molly," he murmurs, voice low and filled with concern.

She doesn't resist his hold, simply sighing and resting her hands on his shoulders. "Tooey, I'm okay," she insists softly, though the way she leans into him tells him otherwise.

He pulls back just enough to look at her, his hands still resting at her sides. "I can ask Mom to take care of it," he says, his tone careful but firm. "If you try to take the stairs and you feel weak again, neither of us would be able to help you fast enough. It's not worth the risk."

Molly bites her lip, glancing toward the door as if considering his words. A flicker of frustration crosses her face, but she doesn't argue. Instead, she shifts slightly, gripping the armrest of his wheelchair for balance.

"I just don't want to be useless," she finally admits, voice barely above a whisper.

Tooey frowns, reaching up to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing against her skin in a slow, soothing motion. "You're not useless," he says with quiet intensity. "You're recovering. That's different."

Molly exhales, her body relaxing ever so slightly under his touch. After a moment, she nods, relenting.

"Alright, I wonder where I've heard that before." she concedes.

Tooey smiles, relief washing over him. "You give good advice, and thank you," he whispers before giving her waist a gentle squeeze.

Molly leans down, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead before finally sitting back on the bed. As he prepares to yell for his mother, she finds herself feeling grateful—not just for his help, but for the way he always puts her first.

Tooey takes a breath before raising his voice, calling out, "Mom!" His tone is firm but not urgent, loud enough to carry through the house. He waits a moment, listening for a response.

When he doesn't hear one right away, he calls again, this time a little louder. "Mom, can you come here for a minute!?"

He glances over at Molly, who is watching him with a small, amused smile. "You really put your lungs into that," she teases softly.

Tooey smirks. "Hey, if I don't call loud enough, she won't hear me over whatever she's doing downstairs."

A few seconds later, they hear footsteps approaching, and Atsaq's voice drifts into the room before she appears in the doorway. "Tooey, you're going to wake up the whole neighborhood," she says with a chuckle. "What do you need?"

Tooey looks up at his mother and gestures toward the damp bundle of clothes Molly left in the bathroom. "Mom, can you take Molly's swim clothes down to the dryer? I don't want her going up and down the stairs in case she gets dizzy again."

Atsaq nods without hesitation. "Of course, I'll take care of it." She picks up the wet clothes and turns back toward the door. Before leaving, she glances at them with a warm smile. "Dinner will be ready soon. If you two feel up to it, you can come downstairs beforehand and rest on the couch."

Molly, still sitting on the bed, gives her a grateful nod. "Thanks, Atsaq. I think I'll stay up here for a little longer, but I'll come down when I'm ready."

Tooey watches his mother disappear down the hall. A few minutes later, her voice calls up from downstairs. "I put your clothes in with the rest of the laundry. Dinner's on the stove—I need to go take care of the dogs real quick. Can you two keep an eye on it while I'm outside?"

Tooey glances at Molly before answering. "Yeah, we got it!"

Molly smirks. "So, we're on dinner duty now?"

Tooey chuckles. "Looks like it. Guess we better head down before we let something burn."

Molly stretches a little, then nods. "Alright, let's go."

With that, Tooey positions his chair near the bed so Molly can use it for balance as she stands. Once she's steady, they make their way downstairs together.

* Mumford Residence *

Back at Trini's house, her parents were outside tending to the chickens, making sure their coop was secure and that they had enough food and water. The cold air bit at their faces as they worked, but they were used to it.

Nearby, Daniel was busy shoveling, clearing out more space around the house. With the heavy snowfall, he wanted to make sure that when the snowplows came through, they wouldn't block in their driveway or make it difficult for them to get in and out. Joy helped where she could, using a smaller shovel to break up some of the ice that had formed near the steps.

They worked in comfortable silence for a while, the only sounds being the scrape of shovels against the ground, the soft clucking of the chickens, and the occasional gust of wind rustling through the trees.

Trini sat by the window, her chin resting in her palm as she watched her parents work outside. She knew they were just being protective, but it still bothered her that she wasn't allowed to help. She hated feeling useless, especially when there was work to be done.

Four-Spots, her loyal companion, leaned against her side, offering quiet comfort. She absentmindedly scratched behind his ears, feeling his warmth seep into her.

Her gaze drifted away from the window, scanning the inside of the house. The kitchen floor gleamed from the fresh mopping, the dining table was wiped down, and the living room was neatly arranged. She had taken care of everything she was responsible for while her parents were outside.

With nothing left to do, she sighed, feeling a little restless. Maybe she should call Robbie back—or maybe she should just sit here for a little while longer, watching the snowflakes fall and letting her thoughts wander.

Trini, bored from the lack of activity, perked up when her computer beeped. A small spark of excitement lit up inside her—Robbie was calling! She quickly adjusted herself, smoothing down her shirt as she answered the call.

"Hey, Robbie—" she started, but her words caught in her throat when Mrs. Atalaw's face appeared on the screen instead.

Trini blinked, momentarily flustered. She hadn't been expecting anyone but Robbie. Her mind scrambled for a moment before she quickly composed herself. "Oh! Um, hello, Mrs. Atalaw," she greeted respectfully.

Mrs. Atalaw smiled warmly, her expression gentle but observant. Trini couldn't help but wonder why she was the one calling instead of Robbie. Did something happen? Was Robbie okay?

"Is—Is something wrong?" Trini asked, her voice laced with concern.

Mrs. Atalaw shook her head reassuringly. "Oh, no, dear. Robbie is just fine," she assured her. "He asked me to call you while he finishes up his chores. He'll be back in a few minutes."

Trini exhaled softly, relieved. She hadn't realized how tense she had gotten in those few seconds.

Mrs. Atalaw tilted her head slightly, her expression kind. "I thought I'd take the opportunity to check in on you. How are you and your parents holding up in all this snow?"

Trini glanced back toward the window where her parents were still shoveling and tending to the chickens. "They're fine," she answered. "Outside working, as usual."

Mrs. Atalaw nodded knowingly. "And how about you, dear? How have you been feeling since you left the hospital?"

Trini hesitated for a second. She wasn't sure how to answer that—physically, she was fine, but emotionally? That was another matter entirely.

Trini shifted in her seat, glancing briefly at Four-Spots, who was still curled up against her side. She let out a small breath before turning her attention back to the screen.

"Well," she began, choosing her words carefully, "I guess I'm doing okay, all things considered. My body doesn't ache as much anymore, and I don't feel as tired as I did when I first got home. The bruises are fading, though some of them are still a little sore when I press on them. I'm moving around more, but my parents still won't let me do too much." She huffed lightly, crossing her arms. "Not even outside chores."

Mrs. Atalaw chuckled softly. "They're just being cautious, Trini. Your body went through quite a bit. Healing takes time."

Trini nodded, glancing toward the window again. "I know, but it's frustrating. I want to help more, and I hate just sitting around. I get restless."

Mrs. Atalaw gave her a sympathetic look. "That's understandable. You've always been someone who likes to stay busy. But rest is just as important as work, you know. Pushing yourself too soon could set back your healing."

Trini sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Yeah, I get that. And honestly, I think my parents are more worried than I am. They keep watching me like I'm going to fall over any second. It's sweet, but it makes me feel like a little kid again."

Mrs. Atalaw smiled knowingly. "That's just what parents do. Worrying about you is their way of showing love."

Trini smirked. "Yeah, I figured. But I swear, if my mom asks me one more time if I need a pillow or another blanket, I'm going to scream."

Mrs. Atalaw laughed, shaking her head. "Well, at least they're taking good care of you. And emotionally? How have you been feeling?"

Trini's playful expression faded slightly. She looked down at her lap, rubbing her fingers together. "That's… harder to explain," she admitted. "I mean, I don't feel scared or anything. I don't have nightmares, at least not that I remember. But I do feel… off. Like, I know I should be relieved that everything is over, but sometimes I still feel uneasy, like I'm waiting for something bad to happen again."

Mrs. Atalaw's expression softened, her gaze warm and understanding. "That's completely normal, Trini. When someone goes through something difficult, it can take time for the mind to catch up with the body's healing. You went through a lot, and those feelings won't just disappear overnight."

Trini sighed, nodding slowly. "Yeah, I guess that makes sense."

Mrs. Atalaw tilted her head. "And what about Robbie? Has he been helping you through all this?"

Trini felt warmth creep into her cheeks. She bit her lip, thinking about their conversations, the way he had called her the most beautiful girl he had ever seen, and the way he always seemed to know when she needed reassurance. "Yeah," she admitted, her voice softer. "He has."

Mrs. Atalaw's smile widened slightly. "Good. I'm glad to hear that."

Before Trini could respond, she heard footsteps approaching, and then Robbie's voice in the background. "Mom, is she still on the call?"

Mrs. Atalaw turned slightly. "Yes, dear, she's right here."

Trini quickly straightened, pushing away the more serious thoughts. She wasn't sure she was ready to talk about all of this with Robbie just yet.

Mrs. Atalaw turned back to her. "It was lovely talking to you, Trini. Remember to be patient with yourself, alright?"

Trini nodded. "I will. Thanks, Mrs. Atalaw."

With that, Mrs. Atalaw moved aside, and Robbie took her place on the screen, his familiar grin greeting her.

"Hey, Trini," he said, brushing some snow from his hair. "Miss me?"

Trini rolled her eyes, but she couldn't hide the small smile tugging at her lips. "Maybe a little," she admitted.

Robbie leaned forward slightly, his expression soft with concern as he listened to Trini's words. "So… my mom asked you how you were feeling, and you didn't really tell her much?"

Trini nodded, glancing down at her hands. "Yeah. I mean, I answered her, but I didn't really answer her, you know?"

Robbie studied her for a moment before tilting his head. "Would you answer that question for me?"

Trini blinked, caught off guard by his directness. She hadn't expected him to ask. His tone wasn't demanding, just gentle and sincere. She met his gaze through the screen and saw no judgment, only the same quiet patience he always had when it came to her.

A small smile tugged at her lips. "Yeah," she said, letting out a breath. "I think I can do that."

She took a moment to gather her thoughts before speaking. "Emotionally… I don't really know how to describe it. I guess I feel kind of weird. I don't feel scared, but at the same time, I do. Like, I'm not afraid of being here, but there's this part of me that keeps waiting for something bad to happen again. It's like, no matter how much I tell myself everything is okay now, my brain doesn't quite believe it yet."

She looked up at him, searching for any sign of pity, but there was none. He just nodded, as if he understood exactly what she meant.

She sighed. "And then there's the rest of it. The way my parents keep checking on me, like I'm going to break. The way I feel fine one second, and then the next, I feel like I don't know how to exist in my own skin. And the worst part?" She let out a dry chuckle. "I don't even know why I feel this way. Nothing makes sense."

Robbie let her words settle for a moment before he finally spoke. "Yeah… I get that."

Trini studied his face. "You do?"

He nodded. "More than you probably think." He hesitated for just a second before asking, "So why were you able to tell me, but not my mom?"

Trini smiled, shaking her head. "Because of you."

Robbie looked confused. "Me?"

She nodded. "Yeah. Back in the hospital, you told me how your family and the doctors kept talking about how you tried to kill yourself when you fell through the ice. How you hated hearing them say it because you knew that wasn't what happened. You told me something personal—something that really bothered you." She met his gaze. "And since you shared with me… well, turn-about is fair play, right?"

Robbie's lips twitched into a small smile, but there was something softer behind it—something grateful. He didn't say anything right away, but Trini could see it in his eyes.

Finally, he exhaled and gave her a nod. "Yeah. I guess it is."

* Trading Post / Ookami Residence *

Atsaq sat at the kitchen table, cradling the phone against her ear as she spoke with Layla and Walter. She could hear the concern in their voices, the way Layla's breath hitched slightly when she asked about Molly's condition, the steady patience in Walter's tone as he listened intently.

"She's doing much better than yesterday," Atsaq reassured them, keeping her voice warm and steady. "Her fever broke this morning, and while she's still weak, she's able to move around a little more. She's taking it slow, though. No sudden movements, no pushing herself too hard. She knows she's not fully recovered yet, but she's determined to get there."

Layla sighed on the other end, a mixture of relief and lingering worry evident in her tone. "That's good to hear. And Tooey? How's he holding up through all this?"

Atsaq glanced toward the living room, where Tooey was sitting in his chair, quietly watching over Molly as she rested. She smiled to herself before answering. "Tooey has been her rock through all of this. He hasn't left her side since she got sick. He's been taking care of her in every way he can—bringing her water, making sure she eats, even staying up all last night just to be there in case she needed anything."

There was a pause before Walter spoke, his voice thoughtful. "That boy has always had a strong sense of responsibility, but it sounds like he's really stepped up for Molly."

Atsaq nodded, even though they couldn't see her. "He has. And it's not just about him taking care of her. They're taking care of each other. Molly's been looking out for him just as much as he has for her. Even when she was too weak to do much, she kept an eye on him. She learned this morning that he hadn't taken his braces off all night, and she worried about the swelling in his legs before she even thought about herself."

Layla made a soft noise of concern. "Did he hurt himself?"

Atsaq sighed. "He wouldn't say anything at first, but yes. His legs were swollen this morning because he never took the time to care for himself. He was too focused on making sure Molly was okay. Even now, I can tell he's still feeling it, but he won't let it stop him from helping her."

Walter chuckled knowingly. "That boy is stubborn. But it sounds like Molly's just as bad."

"They're both stubborn," Atsaq agreed with a light laugh. "But that's part of why they work so well together. They understand each other in a way that not many people would. And this whole situation—the sickness, the injury—it's not pulling them apart, it's bringing them closer. They're learning how to lean on each other, how to be strong for one another."

Layla's voice softened. "It sounds like they're really growing together."

"They are," Atsaq said warmly. "It's not just about romance, either. It's about trust. Dependability. Knowing that when one of them is down, the other will be there to help them back up. And honestly, that kind of connection? It's rare. It's something you don't see often, even in adults who have been together for years."

Walter let out a small chuckle. "Sounds like they've figured out something most people take a lifetime to learn."

Atsaq smiled, her heart swelling with pride. "Maybe they have."

Atsaq set the phone down with a satisfied sigh, glancing over at Tooey. He was smiling, his expression soft, clearly having overheard his mother's praise. His fingers absently traced circles against Molly's arm as she rested against him, her head nestled against his chest. She was still in a deep sleep, her breath slow and steady, one hand lightly gripping the fabric of his shirt as if anchoring herself to him even in sleep.

Atsaq stepped closer, lowering her voice so as not to wake Molly. "You heard all that, didn't you?"

Tooey nodded, his smile deepening just a bit. "Yeah." He hesitated, then looked up at his mother with sincerity in his eyes. "Thank you, Mom. I didn't know you thought that way about us… about me."

Atsaq's expression softened. "Of course, I do. I see how much you care about her, how much she cares about you. You two have something real, Tooey. And I know you—once you set your heart on something, you don't do it halfway, like when you were learning how to dogsled. You give it everything."

Tooey glanced down at Molly, his expression thoughtful. "She does, too," he murmured. "She's been weak, but she still keeps looking out for me. Even this morning, when I was trying to help her, she kept asking if I was okay."

Atsaq chuckled, shaking her head. "That girl has just as much heart as you do. But you need to remember, Tooey—taking care of someone doesn't mean forgetting to take care of yourself."

Tooey sighed. "I know."

Atsaq gave him a knowing look. "Do you?" She folded her arms. "Because from what you had told me this morning, you let your legs swell up just so you could hold her hand all night."

Tooey looked sheepish but didn't deny it. "She needed me."

"And what if you'd been in too much pain to help her today?" Atsaq pressed gently. "She needs you healthy, too, Tooey."

Tooey exhaled and nodded. "I get it, Mom. I'll be more careful."

Atsaq smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Good. Because I want to see you both get through this together—not by wearing yourselves down, but by lifting each other up."

Tooey looked down at Molly again, watching as she shifted slightly against him in her sleep, and he gave a small, contented sigh. "We will."

* Mumford Residence *

Trini leaned back against her pillows, a soft smile playing on her lips as she spoke. "I'm really glad I met you, Robbie. Even though we didn't have much time together before you were discharged, it feels like I've known you way longer than I actually have."

Robbie's face softened on the screen, his eyes warm with understanding. "I feel the same way," he admitted. "It's kind of strange, isn't it? But in a good way." He paused for a moment before adding, "I'm really grateful for you, Trini. I don't have a long list of people I can really call friends, but I'm happy to say you're on it."

Trini's smile widened, but then she tilted her head slightly and gave him a playful but knowing look. "Make sure you add Molly and Tooey to that list, too. You're not alone anymore, Robbie."

Robbie chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah, I know. I wasn't forgetting them, I promise." His voice grew a little more serious. "It's just… it's different with you. We talked about things in the hospital—things I haven't told anyone else. That kind of connection doesn't happen every day."

Trini nodded, her expression thoughtful. "No, it doesn't. But that's what makes it special, right?"

Robbie exhaled, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah. It really does."

As they continued talking, Robbie's mother's voice suddenly interrupted from off-screen. "Robbie, you need to take a shower and get ready for bed. You might be able to see the doctor in the morning."

Robbie's eyes widened in surprise, and he immediately sat up straighter. "Wait—what? Tomorrow?" he asked, clearly stunned. He turned back to Trini, who looked just as surprised. "I thought it would be days before the roads were clear."

Mrs. Atalaw stepped into view, nodding as she explained. "The city's been working hard to clear the main streets, and we just got word that we'll be able to make it to the doctor's office tomorrow. So, you need to be ready."

Robbie blinked, still processing the unexpected news. "Wow… I wasn't expecting that." He glanced back at Trini, who was watching him closely, concern flickering in her eyes.

Trini hesitated for a moment, then spoke gently. "Robbie… if you want to, you can talk to me about what happens at the doctor's. You don't have to go through it alone. Maybe I can help you through it."

Robbie's expression softened, and he gave her a small but appreciative smile. "Thanks, Trini. That… that actually means a lot." He exhaled deeply, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don't know what they're gonna say, but… yeah. If I need to talk, I'll call you."

Trini smiled back, relieved that he was open to the idea. "I'll be here."

Mrs. Atalaw gave Robbie a pointed look, reminding him silently to get moving. He sighed and rolled his eyes playfully. "Alright, alright, I'm going."

Trini chuckled. "Goodnight, Robbie."

"Goodnight, Trini," he replied before the call ended, leaving Trini staring at the screen, hoping that tomorrow would bring him some good news.

Daniel leaned against the doorframe, watching his daughter as she paced aimlessly around her room. Her arms were crossed, and her brow was furrowed in deep thought. He had seen her like this before—lost in her head, trying to solve a problem she hadn't quite figured out how to put into words.

"You alright, kiddo?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with quiet concern.

Trini stopped in her tracks and turned to him, sighing. "I don't know, Dad. I just… I want to help Robbie when he gets back from the doctor's, but I don't know how."

Daniel nodded and stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. "What's on your mind?"

Trini hesitated before blurting out, "Is there a way to help someone dealing with a mental health issue… without actually talking about why they had to go to the doctor?"

Daniel's expression softened as he sat on the edge of her bed, motioning for her to sit beside him. When she did, he took a moment before answering. "That's a good question, Trini. And the answer is yes, there is."

Trini looked at him, waiting for him to explain.

"Sometimes, people don't want to talk about what's bothering them, at least not directly. And that's okay. You don't always have to ask about the problem itself. Sometimes, just being there for them—letting them know they're not alone—can make all the difference."

Trini frowned slightly. "But what if he needs more than just me being there?"

Daniel smiled. "Then you remind him that you're there to listen, whenever he's ready. You don't push, you don't pressure. Just let him know he's safe with you."

Trini thought about that, nodding slowly. "So… just talk to him like normal? Be his friend?"

"Exactly," Daniel confirmed. "Talk about things he enjoys. Give him a break from whatever's weighing on his mind. And if he does bring it up, don't try to fix it for him—just listen. Sometimes, that's all a person really needs."

Trini sighed, feeling a little less lost. "Okay… yeah. That makes sense."

Daniel ruffled her hair playfully, making her groan. "Hey!"

He chuckled. "You've got a good heart, Trini. Robbie's lucky to have you as a friend."

She smiled, feeling a bit of warmth replace the uncertainty in her chest. "Thanks, Dad."

"Anytime, kiddo." Daniel stood up and stretched. "Now, I think I smell dinner. You coming?"

Trini nodded, standing up with him. As they headed downstairs, she felt more confident. Maybe she didn't need all the answers. Maybe just being there was enough.

Yupik Dictionary

Waquaa! – Hello

Aana – Mother

Tua-I-Ngunrituq – Goodbye

Tuntuvak – Moose

Quyana – Thank you

Gaarrufurendo – Girlfriend in Japanese

Watashi no Gaarrufurendo – My girlfriend in Japanese

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

Khoh t'án - Rose

Shahnyaa – One who informs us – Molly's native name

Shaeeyaa - Shimmering Stars, comic book hero created by Molly.

Sha'oodèe- Boyfriend

Va'oodèe – Girlfriend

Qaspeg – Tunic length, (falling between hip and knees) hooded overshirt with a large front pocket