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.
Snowbound Hearts: Friendship and Feelings
* Ookami Residence *
Despite the storm raging outside, the next few days brought a sense of unexpected peace. Snow piled high against doors and windows, blanketing the world in white, but inside, warmth and companionship filled the spaces where isolation might have crept in.
Molly and Tooey quickly settled into an unspoken rhythm in his home. Each morning, they helped Atsaq with chores—Molly doing most of the physical work while Tooey assisted in ways he could, whether that was chopping vegetables for dinner, folding laundry, or keeping their spirits high with his dry humor.
During the quiet moments, they played games—Monopoly, checkers, and even a round of Go Fish that ended with Molly laughing so hard she nearly fell off the couch. It was easy between them, the way they moved around each other, no awkwardness, no pretense.
One evening while curled up on the couch watching an old movie. Molly thinking to herself realized how much had changed over the years. She turned slightly, looking up at Tooey. His face, calm and focused on the screen, had lost some of the boyish softness she remembered from when they were younger.
"Hey," she murmured, causing him to glance down at her.
"Hey, what?" he asked, shifting slightly so she was more comfortable against him.
She hesitated, then shrugged. "I was just thinking... about when we were little. How we used to race each other on the ice? I'd always win because I was faster, and you hated it."
Tooey chuckled. "I didn't hate it. I just thought you were cheating somehow."
Molly smirked. "You still think that?"
"Not anymore." He nudged her gently. "I know now that you're just annoyingly good at everything."
They both laughed, but there was something heavier beneath their words, something unspoken but deeply felt. A realization that the days of playful childhood competition had given way to something else—something more intimate and meaningful.
"You know," Tooey said after a moment, his voice quieter, "I don't think I ever thanked you properly."
"For what?"
He looked down at their intertwined hands. "For always being there. For making things easier when they got hard. Even when I didn't say anything, I always knew you'd be around."
Molly swallowed, squeezing his hand lightly. "Well, same here. You were always there for me too."
While he was enjoying Molly's company, a nagging feeling had settled in the back of Tooey's mind—one he couldn't quite shake.
It was subtle at first, something he tried to ignore. But as the days passed, it grew stronger, gnawing at him.
Molly was always doing more.
It wasn't just that she was helping out around the house—fetching things for him, making sure he was comfortable, and adjusting so she wouldn't accidentally hurt him. It was the way she always seemed to be moving, making sure everything was taken care of, while he sat there, feeling… stuck.
Tonight was no different. After dinner, Molly helped Atsaq clean up while Tooey sat at the table, watching. It wasn't that he didn't want to help—he just couldn't in the way he used to. His braces, his wheelchair… they limited him, and he hated that.
When they finally settled on the couch, Molly tucked herself next to him, adjusting his position carefully so she wouldn't accidentally press against his healing thighs. She rested her head lightly against his shoulder, her fingers tracing gentle patterns on his arm. Tooey let himself enjoy the warmth of the moment, but his thoughts wouldn't stop racing.
After a long silence, he finally spoke. "You're always doing more than me."
Molly lifted her head slightly, her brows furrowing. "What do you mean?"
He hesitated. "You're always the one taking care of me. Helping me. I feel like I'm not giving enough back."
Molly tilted her head, studying him. "Tooey… what are you talking about? You don't have to 'give back' anything."
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "But I should, right? It's just… the way things are right now, it's like you're doing all the work, and I'm just here." He clenched his jaw, his frustration bubbling up. "That's not how it's supposed to be."
Molly sat up a little more, keeping her touch gentle. "Tooey, stop. I do more because I can do more. That's all. My head's fine now. I don't need the meds anymore. But you…" She placed a hand on his leg, careful not to apply pressure. "You need time. Your body's still healing. You can't do as much right now, and that's okay."
Tooey exhaled sharply, looking away. "But it doesn't feel okay. I don't want you to feel like you're taking care of me all the time. That's not fair to you."
Molly smiled softly, shaking her head. "You're not some burden, Tooey." She reached for his hand, lacing their fingers together. "You do more for me than you realize."
He frowned. "Like what?"
She gave him a look. "You listen to me. You care. You get me in ways a lot of people don't. That's worth more than anything you think you should be doing physically." She squeezed his hand. "It's not about who does more. It's about being here for each other. And I don't mind doing more right now because I want to."
Tooey let her words sink in. He wanted to argue, to tell her that she deserved better than someone who could barely even stand on his own right now. But the way she looked at him, steady and unwavering, made it hard to hold on to that thought.
He sighed, shaking his head. "You always know how to make me feel like less of an idiot."
Molly smirked. "That's what I'm here for."
Tooey chuckled, the weight on his chest feeling a little lighter. He still wasn't sure how to silence the feeling entirely, but maybe—just maybe—he could try to trust Molly on this.
And if there was one thing he knew for sure, it was that he trusted her completely.
* Mumford Residence *
Trini shifted against the headboard, cradling her phone in her hands while Four-Spots lay curled beside her, snoring softly. The snowstorm outside still hadn't let up, but inside her bedroom, warmth radiated from the conversation she was having with Robbie.
"So," she said, stretching her legs out, "You're telling me you've never felt a hundred-degree day? Not once?"
"Nope," Robbie replied, his face lit up on her screen. "I think the hottest I've ever felt was maybe eighty-five. And even then, I was ready to collapse."
Trini laughed. "Eighty-five? That's nothing! That's like a cool spring day back in Texas. Try living through a summer where it's a hundred and ten, and the air is so hot it feels like you're walking into an oven."
"Sounds miserable," he admitted. "I think I'd melt into a puddle."
"You probably would," she teased. "But then again, I'd probably freeze solid in the middle of an Alaskan winter."
"Yeah," Robbie said, smirking. "I don't know how you're surviving right now, being a Texas girl and all."
Trini shrugged. "I adapted. Besides, the cold isn't so bad when you've got a warm house and good company."
Robbie's smile softened. "Yeah. I guess that makes all the difference."
A comfortable silence stretched between them for a moment before Trini broke it.
"So, tell me about Nenana," she said. "What was growing up there like?"
Robbie leaned back against his pillow, thinking. "It was… good, mostly. A lot of my childhood was spent outdoors—fishing, ice skating, building snow forts in the winter. My dad would take me out early in the mornings to go ice fishing. I remember sitting in the cold, bundled up in so many layers I could barely move, just waiting for something to bite. It was kind of boring at first, but then, when I'd catch something, it was the best feeling ever."
Trini smiled. "Sounds like you have a lot of good memories with your dad."
"I do," Robbie said, nodding. "He was always there. Still is. He worked a lot when I was younger—he's in construction, so he was always busy building things—but he made time for me. He'd take me out on weekends, teach me how to do stuff, like setting up a tent properly or making a fire without using matches. He always said that a real Alaskan should know how to survive outside, no matter the weather."
"That's actually really cool," Trini said. "I wish my dad had taught me survival skills like that. We mostly just… did city stuff."
"What was it like?" Robbie asked. "Texas, I mean. Before you moved here."
Trini sighed, a small, nostalgic smile forming on her lips. "It was different. Bigger, louder, always moving. I loved it, though. Summers were my favorite—my dad and I would go swimming at Barton Springs. It's this huge, natural spring-fed pool, and the water is always warmish, even in the middle of a heatwave. We'd stay there for hours, and afterward, my mom would take me to these little markets downtown where we'd eat street tacos and listen to live music."
"Do you miss it?" Robbie asked quietly.
"Sometimes," she admitted. "But I think I was always meant to be here. Texas will always be a part of me, but Qyah feels like home now."
Robbie nodded. "I get that. Even though I've never lived anywhere else, I feel like there's more for me beyond Nenana. I love it here, but sometimes it feels like… I don't know, like I'm stuck in the same place while the world keeps moving."
Trini studied his expression. "You ever think about leaving?"
"Yeah," he admitted. "I mean, I don't know when or where, but I'd like to see what else is out there. I want to travel. Go places I've only ever seen in books or on TV. But at the same time, Nenana's my home, you know? My family's here. It's not so easy to just leave."
Trini nodded. "I get that. Moving from Texas to here was a huge change, but I was lucky—I had my parents, and they were making the move with me. I didn't have to leave them behind. But you don't have to figure everything out right now. You've got time."
"Yeah," Robbie said, smiling softly. "And I mean… I guess I've got good reasons to stay, too."
Trini felt a warmth spread through her chest at the way he said that. "Oh? Like what?"
He hesitated for a moment before meeting her gaze. "Like… you."
Trini's heart did a little flip, but she forced herself to play it cool. "Oh, so now you're saying I'm a reason to stay. Not when I was sitting here, literally hyping up Texas for you?"
Robbie chuckled. "Texas sounds nice, but you're here. So, yeah… kind of an easy choice."
She rolled her eyes but couldn't stop the smile tugging at her lips. "You're such a smooth talker, Robbie."
"Is it working?" he asked, grinning.
Trini pretended to think for a moment. "Maybe."
Robbie laughed, shaking his head. "I'll take it."
The conversation naturally shifted, and they started throwing ideas back and forth about what they'd do when they finally got to hang out in person.
"Well," Trini said, "I know I said we'd go hiking first, but with all the snow still around, that's not happening."
"That's okay," Robbie said. "There's still plenty we can do. Ice skating, ice fishing… or, if you want to wait until spring, I can take you to my favorite hiking spots. There's this one place, not too far from town, where the river bends around these huge cliffs. It's amazing in the summer—wildflowers everywhere, the water is clear, and if you go at the right time, you can see bald eagles flying overhead."
"Okay, that sounds amazing," Trini said. "But I have to warn you—I'm not the best at ice skating. I can skate, but I look like a baby deer on ice."
Robbie laughed. "Then I definitely have to take you. I need to see this in person."
"Rude," she teased. "But fine, I'll let you laugh at my suffering if it means I get to see this perfect hiking spot you're talking about."
"Deal," he said, smiling.
They talked late into the night, their words weaving between past memories and future plans. For the first time in a long time, Robbie didn't feel like he was standing still while life passed him by.
And for Trini, something about this conversation—about him—felt like a step forward toward something she hadn't even realized she wanted.
Even though they were snowed in miles apart, they weren't alone.
And that made all the difference.
* Ookami Residence, Day 2 *
As the wind howled outside, rattling the windows, and sending flurries of snow against the glass, Tooey and Molly decided to make the best of their snowbound situation. With a determined glint in her eye, Molly gathered every pillow and blanket she could find, stacking them in a heap while Tooey directed from the couch, offering advice on the best way to construct their masterpiece.
"No, no, the heavy blanket has to go on top," Tooey said, shaking his head. "Otherwise, the whole thing will collapse the second we crawl inside."
Molly stuck her tongue out at him playfully but took his advice, adjusting the makeshift walls of their fort. "Well, maybe if you'd get over here and help, Mr. Architect, we wouldn't have had three cave-ins already."
Tooey sighed dramatically. "If only I weren't trapped in this chair…"
Rolling her eyes, Molly tossed a pillow at him, making him laugh. "Excuses, excuses."
After much effort—and a few failed attempts—they finally finished their creation: a sprawling pillow fort in the middle of the living room, lined with extra blankets for warmth. The space inside was small but cozy, just enough for the two of them. Crawling inside, they settled into their hideout, their little world separated from the rest of the house by soft fabric walls.
Molly pulled out a deck of cards, shuffling them expertly. "Alright, Teekkone, let's see if you've got what it takes to beat me at Go Fish."
Tooey smirked, leaning back against the pillows. "You talk a big game, but I usually win."
"Uh-huh, we'll see about that."
They played, their laughter filling the fort—mock protests when one outplayed the other, exaggerated groans when Molly drew yet another card she didn't need. At one point, she tried to discreetly peek at Tooey's hand, earning a playful flick on the forehead.
"No cheating," he scolded, grinning.
"Oh, please, like you wouldn't do the same if you had the chance."
They fell into an easy rhythm, teasing each other, sharing old stories, and simply enjoying the quiet comfort of being together. But eventually, their voices softened, the game becoming more of a background activity as the conversation turned to deeper things—things they wouldn't usually say out in the open.
Molly felt it first, the shift between them. She had always loved Tooey—he was her best friend, the person who had always been there, just like she had been for him. But lately, there was something more. A different kind of closeness, an unspoken understanding that neither of them quite knew how to navigate.
She caught Tooey watching her, his expression thoughtful.
After a long silence, he finally spoke. "Do you ever feel like… I hold you back?"
Molly looked up from her cards, her expression shifting. "What?"
He hesitated, fidgeting with a card in his hands. "I mean, you're always doing more. Helping me, adjusting things for me. I don't want you to feel like you're stuck taking care of someone instead of… I don't know, just being."
Molly exhaled, setting her cards down. She moved closer, resting her hand on his. "Tooey, listen to me." Her voice was firm, but there was warmth in it too. "I'm exactly where I want to be. With you."
He swallowed, meeting her gaze. "But—"
"No 'but.'" She squeezed his hand. "I choose to be here. Not because I have to, not because I feel sorry for you. Because I want to."
She let out a slow breath, searching for the right words, trying to make him understand. "Tooey, I've loved you since we were babies. Not just because of everything we've been through, but because of you. You don't hold me back. You never have."
Tooey's eyes softened, but there was still doubt lingering there. "But things are different now," he said quietly.
Molly nodded. "Yeah, they are."
Because it was true. They weren't just kids anymore, and this wasn't just about friendship. Their feelings for each other were changing, deepening, and neither of them quite knew what they could or couldn't do about it.
There were boundaries they weren't sure how to cross. Could they? Should they?
Molly wasn't sure of the answers, but she knew one thing—she wasn't going anywhere.
She grinned suddenly, nudging him playfully. "Besides, if anyone's holding anyone back, it's you—you keep making me lose at Go Fish."
He laughed, shaking his head. "Nice try, but I saw you sneak a card a minute ago."
She gasped, feigning outrage. "I would never!"
They dissolved into laughter again, the moment of heaviness giving way to something lighter, something comforting.
And as they sat together in their little hideout, Tooey let himself believe—just for tonight—that Molly really was exactly where she wanted to be.
* Mumford Residence *
At Trini's house, the warmth inside contrasted with the relentless snowstorm outside. She sat curled up on the couch, her phone propped up on her knees as she talked with Robbie over video chat. The light from her screen reflected in her eyes, and despite the ache in her ribs, she was smiling.
Joy passed through the living room, pretending not to pay attention until she suddenly stopped and smirked. "So… you and Robbie seem to be talking a lot lately."
Trini's fingers tensed around her phone. "Yeah? Oh boy."
Joy's grin widened. "Oh, nothing. It's just cute, is all."
Trini's face immediately heated up. "Mom—"
"I mean, spending hours on the phone with a boy. Playing games together? Swapping childhood stories?" Joy clasped her hands together in exaggerated excitement. "Sounds very romantic."
Trini groaned, pulling her hoodie over her face. "Mom, stop."
Joy just laughed. "I think it's sweet." She winked before walking away, leaving Trini flustered but secretly pleased.
Deep down, she did enjoy talking about Robbie. And she loved the time they spent together, even if it was just through a screen.
When she unhid her face, Robbie was grinning at her from the other side of the call. "Your mom giving you a hard time?"
"You heard that?"
He chuckled. "Every single word. She's not wrong, though."
Trini bit her lip, unsure how to respond. So instead, she changed the subject. "Wanna play another round?"
They spent a little while on video chat, playing online games together and swapping childhood stories.
Robbie leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. "I don't think I ever told you this, but when I was five, I tried to ride my bike down this massive hill near my house. Thought I was gonna be the coolest kid in Nenana. Spoiler alert—I wasn't."
Trini smirked. "What happened?"
"Oh, I was flying—wind in my face, feeling like the king of the world—until I hit this giant rock. My bike flipped, and I went soaring through the air like some kind of superhero… except superheroes usually land on their feet."
She laughed. "Where'd you land?"
"Face-first in a thorn bush. My mom had to pull me out, one thorn at a time." He chuckled, shaking his head. "And my sister? She still brings it up every chance she gets."
Trini grinned. "Classic sibling move."
He smirked. "Alright, your turn. Most embarrassing childhood memory. Go."
She rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, easy. Back in Texas, when I was seven, before we moved to Alaska. My family had this huge pecan tree in our backyard. I decided to climb it all the way to the top, just to prove I could."
Robbie raised a brow. "Lemme guess—you got stuck?"
Trini groaned. "Not just stuck. I froze completely. My dad had to come get me, and the whole neighborhood saw."
Robbie laughed. "Wow. So, you were both fearless and terrified at the same time?"
"Apparently." She smirked. "I like to think I'm better at climbing now."
"Guess we'll have to test that theory when you come visit."
Her smile softened. "I'd like that."
The conversation shifted after a while, the laughter fading into something quieter, something more uncertain.
Robbie exhaled, running a hand over his face. "So… I have to go to the doctor next week."
Trini frowned since she knew he had an appointment. "Yeah?"
"Yeah." He hesitated. "If the snow clears, anyway."
"You nervous?"
A pause. Then, "Yeah."
Trini could see the tension in his expression, even through the screen.
"Any idea what they'll talk to you about?" she asked gently.
Robbie hesitated again. "I mean, a lot of things. My drowning, for one. My feelings,.… all of that." He swallowed hard. "But they'll probably bring up the… the ice."
Trini's stomach twisted. "You mean…?"
"Yeah," he said quietly. "They'll want me to talk about what happened when I fell through."
Trini's grip on her phone tightened. She had heard how he had felt firsthand when they were in the hospital. How he had been trapped under the ice, how he had drowned and been brought back—but Robbie had only ever spoken about it to her, no one else.
"I don't want to," he admitted. "I don't even remember all of it. I just remember the cold. The dark. Then nothing."
Trini swallowed hard, her heart aching for him. "Robbie…"
"I know they're just trying to help," he continued, his voice a little rough. "But what if talking about it just makes it worse? What if it makes me—" He stopped, shaking his head. "I don't know."
Trini hesitated before saying, "You don't have to do anything you're not ready for."
He looked at her, his expression uncertain. "You think so?"
She nodded. "Yeah. And when you are ready, you don't have to do it alone."
For a long moment, he didn't say anything. Then, finally, he let out a slow breath.
"Thanks, Trini."
She smiled softly. "Anytime."
They fell into silence, but it wasn't uncomfortable. It was understanding.
After a while, Robbie smirked. "So… about that tree-climbing challenge."
Trini laughed, grateful for the change in topic. "Oh, you're on."
And just like that, they found their way back to something light, something steady. But the weight of their conversation lingered—an unspoken promise between them.
No matter what came next, they wouldn't face it alone.
* Ookami Residence Day 3 *
By the third day of being snowbound, the restless energy in Tooey's house was undeniable. Molly could feel it in her own limbs—the itch to do something, to move—but more than that, she could see it in Tooey. The way he tapped his fingers against his armrest, the way his eyes drifted toward the window like he wished he could just get up, throw on his boots, and stomp through the snow.
But he couldn't. Not yet.
That's when she decided enough was enough.
"Alright, Mr. Teekkone," she declared, standing before him with her hands on her hips. "It's time for physical therapy."
Tooey groaned from his spot on the couch, reclining slightly with his legs elevated, cushioned by pillows. His braces rested stiffly against his thighs, a constant reminder of his limits. "Molly…"
"Nope. No excuses," she cut him off, stepping closer. "Your mom left a whole list of things you can do, and I will make sure you do them."
Tooey sighed but didn't resist as she helped him sit up straighter. "Fine. But if this ends in disaster, I'm blaming you."
Molly grinned. "I'll take full responsibility."
She started by guiding him through the basic stretches Atsaq had recommended—ones that wouldn't cause unnecessary shifting in his legs. Since he couldn't reach past his thighs, Molly had to be the one to do most of the work for him. She took his foot in her hands, carefully rotating his ankle in slow, steady circles.
"Alright, soldier! Time for ankle rotations! Left foot—clockwise! Hold it! Hold it! Now counterclockwise!" She pretending to take notes on an imaginary clipboard. "Teekkone, you're slacking! I need more enthusiasm in these rotations!"
Tooey snorted. "I'm not doing anything, you are."
"Exactly! And you could at least pretend to appreciate my hard work," Molly huffed, adjusting her grip, and gently flexing his foot forward and back.
"Oh, I appreciate it," he said, smirking. "I just don't know if I trust you."
Molly gasped dramatically. "How dare you." She switched to his other foot, still careful, but making an exaggerated show of lifting it like she was about to launch him across the room. "Maybe I should just—oops!—accidentally fling you off the couch."
"Very professional," Tooey deadpanned.
She grinned. "I told you I'd be the best physical therapist."
From the kitchen, Atsaq watched their antics with an amused expression. She had seen the way they interacted before—always close, always attuned to each other—but something was different now. Deeper.
When Tooey winced slightly as she flexed his foot a little too far, Molly's playful demeanor softened immediately.
"Hey, that one hurt?" she asked, her voice gentler now.
Tooey hesitated, then nodded slightly.
Molly didn't hesitate—she adjusted her grip, easing up and carefully massaging the muscles around his ankle instead. "Okay, we'll take it easy," she murmured, focused on making sure he was comfortable.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you Teekkone." Molly admitted placing a kiss on his cheek.
"It's okay Drill Sergeant Mabray. I forgive you." He smirked.
Atsaq smiled to herself. She takes care of him, and he lets her.
It wasn't something Tooey did easily—accepting help. But with Molly, he did.
Atsaq approached them, kneeling down beside Tooey and placing a warm hand on his shoulder. "You're doing well," she said softly, reassurance laced in her voice.
Tooey exhaled, some of the tension in his shoulders easing. "Thanks, Mom."
Atsaq glanced at Molly, a knowing look in her eyes. "And you're a good coach."
Molly beamed. "I know."
Tooey groaned. "Please don't encourage her."
Atsaq chuckled before squeezing his shoulder lightly. "Keep listening to her, Teekkone. She's got your best interest at heart."
Molly and Tooey exchanged a look, something unspoken passing between them.
Yeah. They both already knew that.
* Mumford Residence *
The days stretched on, the snow still swirling outside, covering the world in a thick blanket of white. The wind howled as it piled more snow against the windows, leaving the kids feeling trapped inside. It was an unsettling feeling for Trini, who had never been one to sit still for long. She missed the freedom of being outside, of the things she used to do back in Texas, and even some of the activities she had gotten used to in the village.
Sitting on the couch, phone pressed to her ear, Trini spoke to Robbie. The conversation was lighthearted at first, the usual banter about how much they wished they could see each other in person. She told him about her frustration with being stuck inside.
"I can't stand it," she admitted, glancing out the window. "I miss sledding with Tooey and Molly. Ice skating with the other kids in the village, like Oscar and Vera... It feels like everything is on pause. Like life is just stuck in the snow." She let out a small sigh, rubbing her temple.
"Yeah, I know what you mean," Robbie said, his voice carrying a slight edge of frustration, too. "I miss just... roaming, you know? I hate being cooped up in here all the time. When I was younger, I'd go out and just walk for hours in the woods behind the house. It's different now—being stuck inside all the time just... feels wrong."
Trini smiled sadly. She understood. "I get that. The other day, I took a break from talking to you and spent some time with Four-Spots. I just needed the company, you know?" She paused, looking at the dog curled up by her feet. "He's a good listener. It was nice just to sit with him, no pressure, no one needing anything. Just... the quiet."
There was a beat of silence on the line as Robbie thought about her words. "That sounds nice," he said quietly. "I wish I could just... get outside and feel free. But I guess we're both stuck with the snow right now."
"Yeah," Trini replied, picking at the edge of the blanket wrapped around her legs. "Everything feels so heavy with the snow. It's like the world's just... frozen."
They sat in a comfortable silence for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts. Then, Trini's curiosity got the better of her. "What about you, though? What do you miss doing the most? Besides, you know, roaming outside?"
Robbie chuckled softly, though it held a note of sadness. "I've never really celebrated my birthday the way I've always wanted to," he admitted. "I mean, I've had a few parties here and there with family, but... nothing like what I see other people doing. No friends, no big celebration, nothing like that. I don't even know if I've ever really had a birthday where I felt like it was my day. You know?"
Trini felt her heart ache for him. She had always been surrounded by friends and family during her birthdays, even when things were tough. The thought of someone never having that kind of celebration, never feeling special in that way, made her upset. She couldn't imagine it.
She leaned forward, her voice soft but determined. "That's going to change, Robbie. The next time your birthday comes around, you'll have people who care about you celebrating with you. I'll make sure of it."
Robbie was quiet for a moment, and when he spoke again, his voice was filled with a quiet gratitude. "Thanks, Trini. That means a lot to me."
Her heart swelled a little, and she felt a deep sense of resolve settle within her. No one should go through life without feeling celebrated on their birthday, especially not someone as kind and deserving as Robbie. She made a mental note, a promise to herself, that she would make sure his next birthday would be different.
"I've never missed Texas summers so much before," Trini said after a while, her voice carrying a sense of longing. "The heat, the long afternoons spent outside, the sound of the crickets. It's so different from here, with the cold and the snow. But there was something about that summer warmth that always felt like home."
Robbie's voice softened, the understanding in his tone obvious. "I get it. There's something about the heat, right? It's like it makes everything feel... alive. The cold is nice in its own way, but it doesn't have that same energy."
"Yeah." Trini looked out the window again, her eyes tracing the snowy landscape. "I can't wait for the summer again. The thought of it just... makes me feel better, like there's something to look forward to. Even if it's a long way off."
Robbie's voice had a quiet sincerity as he spoke again. "We'll get there, Trini. And when we do... we'll make sure it's a summer worth remembering."
As she hung up later, Trini sat back against the couch, her heart heavy with both longing and hope. She had always had the summer to look forward to in Texas, and now, even though she was far away from home, she had something else to look forward to—a summer of celebration, a summer of connection, and a summer where she could make sure Robbie knew he wasn't alone on his birthday, once she found out exactly when his birthday is.
* Ookami Residence *
After finishing the prescribed exercises, Molly dusted off her hands with satisfaction. "Alright, Coach Molly declares this session officially over," she announced, grinning down at Tooey.
Tooey chuckled, leaning back into the couch. "Great. Now if only I could teleport upstairs so I could wash off all this hard work you put me through."
Molly rolled her eyes playfully. "Lucky for you, I make an excellent assistant."
Without waiting for an argument, she helped him up as carefully as possible, supporting him as they made their way up the stairs. Tooey gritted his teeth against the discomfort, but he didn't complain—not with Molly steadying him every step of the way.
While Molly was helping him up the stairs, Atsaq decided to lend a hand. While Molly was walking him to the stairs, she brought the chair upstairs and placed it in front of the bathroom.
Molly helped Tooey into the chair, ensuring he was comfortable before heading inside the bathroom. She turned back to his mother for a moment. "We've got this, thanks, Atsaq."
Atsaq simply gave a warm smile. "I know you do."
Once they reached the bathroom, Molly helped him ease onto the closed toilet seat. She knelt in front of him, her hands hovering near the waistband of his sweatpants. "You good?" she asked softly, making sure he was comfortable.
She gave Tooey a gentle smile. "Okay, time to get you ready for our bath."
Tooey's expression softened. "You sure you want to do all this?"
Molly crouched down in front of him, her fingers brushing against his braces. "You need help. I don't mind." She paused, locking eyes with him. "You know that, right?"
Tooey let out a quiet sigh, looking at her with a mixture of appreciation and vulnerability. "Yeah, I do. But I don't want to make this harder on you."
Molly shook her head. "You're not. Now, let's get these off so we can get you comfortable."
With care and precision, she began removing his braces, one by one. She eased them off, making sure not to cause him any discomfort, and placed them aside. "These things are always such a pain," she muttered, her focus entirely on him.
Once his legs were free, she helped him slowly slide his sweatpants and underwear down, mindful of the way his body tensed slightly. He helped where he could, but for the most part, Molly did the work, pulling them off gently and setting them aside.
Tooey let out a soft breath, looking away for a moment. "I feel… so helpless."
Molly gave him a reassuring smile, brushing a stray piece of hair from his face. "You're not helpless. You just need a little help right now. And that's okay."
She stood resting herself and giving him a moment before helping him into his bathing trunks. She then turned and began the water in the tub. She adjusted it until it was warm, the steam rising gently as she made sure everything was in place for him.
"Alright, Teekkone," she said, her voice soft but firm, "let's get you into the tub."
She helped him into the water, being mindful of his legs and making sure he was settled comfortably. She then stood and walked over to the vanity and picked up her swim shorts and t-shirt.
Without putting too much thought into her next actions, she stripped and put her swim shorts and t-shirt on before turning and climbing into the tub beside him. Molly sat as close to his torso as possible, her legs careful not to touch his injured ones.
Tooey relaxed slightly, leaning back against the tub's edge, the warmth of the water soothing him. "You know… I wasn't sure I'd ever get used to this."
Molly smiled, her hand brushing lightly against his. "You'll get used to it. And I'll be right here, helping you."
Tooey met her gaze, his expression softening. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
Molly's heart warmed, and she squeezed his hand. "You won't ever have to find out."
As they were sitting, Molly reached for the washcloth and just like the previous day, she helped Tooey by washing his legs, ankles, and feet since he still couldn't reach it.
When she finished, she passed the cloth to Tooey, and he did the rest of his body. Molly watched him as he took his time making sure he was clean.
When finished he rinsed the cloth, and reached for Molly legs. She allowed him to do wherever he could reach. At one point, she shimmied closer so he could do more than he had done the day earlier.
He did her legs up to her shorts and no further. She smiled when he stopped and tried to hand her the washcloth. She declined and placed a towel on the floor and swung her legs out of the tub onto the towel, She then lifted her shirt exposing her back to him. He scrubbed her back as high as he could reach before tapping her.
Turning and reentering the tub she took the washcloth and finished washing herself. She rinsed it off a few times before wringing it out and throwing it in the vanity sink.
She then placed her hands on her knees and just savored the warmth of the water, the smell of the bubbles, and the company she preferred more than anything else in her life.
Tooey shifted slightly in the warm water, his expression thoughtful as he glanced over at Molly, who was sitting beside him. His fingers traced the edge of the tub, but his mind was elsewhere, caught in the thought of the new, somewhat awkward routine they'd slipped into over the past few days.
"Molly," he began, his voice quiet, almost hesitant, "I've been thinking..."
She looked at him, sensing the shift in his tone. "What's up?"
He took a deep breath, trying to steady his thoughts. "I need to… get used to this."
Molly furrowed her brow slightly. "What do you mean?"
Tooey hesitated for a moment, the vulnerability of his words making him uncomfortable. "I mean, you helping me dress and undress. I know you're just doing it because I can't, but I… I don't know. It feels weird, you know?"
Molly nodded, her expression soft. "I get it, Teekkone. It's a big adjustment for both of us. But we'll figure it out."
Tooey met her gaze, his voice becoming more unsure. "I don't want you to feel like you have to, or that you're doing something you don't want to do. I'm just…" He trailed off, not sure how to explain the discomfort that still lingered in him.
Molly reached over, placing her hand on his, offering reassurance. "I want to help you. It's not something I mind, but I get that it might feel awkward for you."
Tooey looked down at his legs, and then to the braces still visible on the vanity. It all was a constant reminder of his injury. "It's just hard. I'm not used to needing someone this much." He shifted uncomfortably. "And I hate feeling like I'm making you do all this stuff for me."
Molly squeezed his hand. "You're not making me. I want to help you. But I also want to make sure that you're okay with it, that you're comfortable with the situation."
Tooey leaned back, staring up at the ceiling. "It's just... I don't know how to stop feeling like it's making me vulnerable, you know? Like, I'm letting you see too much."
Molly thought for a moment, letting his words sink in. "I can understand that. But I also think… well, I think it's normal to feel that way. It's a big change for both of us. But if we're going to get through this, we need to trust each other, right? And I trust you. I'm not going to judge you for needing help. And I don't mind helping, even if it feels weird sometimes."
Tooey turned his head slightly to meet her eyes. "I just don't want you to feel like… like I'm making it hard on you. Or that it's too much."
Molly smiled gently, her eyes full of understanding. "You're not making it hard. We're doing this together, okay? I'm not embarrassed by anything. And I don't want you to feel embarrassed either."
"Teekkone, I am aware that you're talking about when I undress in front of you, instead of leaving the room, right?" Tooey nodded slowly. "When I am helping you, I have to help you undress and redress just so you can be comfortable instead of in pain." She began.
"I undress in front of you because I can't waste time being modest when the situation doesn't allow for you to be. So, I do it, so we share in the experience. Remember, we used to bathe together when we were kids."
Tooey again nodded. "It didn't bother you then, why now?" She asked, reaching for his hand and holding in her lap. Tooey gazed downward momentarily, "For the record, things happen now, and I can't always control it. That's one the biggest things I have to worry about. I don't want to embarrass you." Tooey said, blushing.
Molly sighed softly. "I've noticed Teekkone. I have also felt it, when you are lying behind me on the bed and the couch." Tooey gulped loudly, nodding his head.
"Even though I know exactly what is happening. I know how far things can go with us. I don't want to make any mistakes when it comes to our relationship. I have been talking to my mother and making sure about where this relationship can go. I don't want to mess this up." Molly assured him squeezing his hand.
She then leaned closer to him. He leaned closer to thinking she was going to kiss his cheek. She pulled alongside his head and whispered in his ear. "I am not sure if you've noticed, but I also have tell-tale signs when it happens to me that you should be able to see. For the record, I love you Teekkone Ookami, and it's hard to not be able to show my feelings for you twenty-four hours a day now that we're a couple." Molly told him placing a kiss on his cheek as she pulled away from him.
He let her words wash over him, trying to hold onto the comfort she was offering. "I guess I still need to get used to it, but... thanks, Molly. For not making it weird. Also, I love you too."
She grinned, giving his hand a squeeze. "No problem. And hey, it's not like I'm some stranger helping you out. We've known each other forever, right?"
Tooey chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Yeah, that's true." He exhaled deeply, trying to push past the unease. "But sometimes it's hard not to feel like I'm a burden."
Molly's expression softened as she leaned in a little closer, her voice gentle. "You're not a burden, Tooey. Not even close. You've always been there for me, and now it's my turn to be there for you."
He looked at her, his heart swelling with gratitude and something else—something warm and reassuring. "I'm starting to believe that." he admitted.
"Good," Molly said with a smile, her thumb lightly brushing against his hand. "Because just like Robbie isn't alone in this, you're not alone in this. Not by a long shot."
Tooey nodded slowly, the weight of her words settling over him like a blanket. It wasn't just the physical help she was giving him that mattered—it was the emotional support, the trust, the way she didn't let him feel ashamed of his vulnerability. He wasn't used to being on the receiving end of that kind of care, but he was learning. And in a way, it made the whole situation easier to bear.
"Thanks," he said quietly.
"You don't need to thank me," Molly replied softly, her gaze tender. "We've got this, remember?"
Tooey smiled, feeling a little lighter, a little less burdened. "Yeah. I'm starting to believe that, too Shaeeyaa."
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