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.

All Kinds of Bonding

After spending a little more time resting in Tooey's room, Molly finally convinced herself to get up and be useful. She stretched, rubbing the last bit of sleep from her eyes before turning to Tooey, who was still lying back comfortably, watching her.

"Come on, Teekkone," she said, nudging his arm gently. "Let's help your mom with something."

Tooey smirked, his dark eyes still heavy with sleep. "You just woke up, and you're already looking for something to do?"

Molly shrugged. "Gotta keep busy."

Tooey chuckled, shaking his head. "You're unbelievable, Shaeeyaa."

She grinned, then moved to help him sit up properly. "Alright, let's get you changed first."

Tooey didn't protest as Molly helped him out of his sleepwear and into warmer clothes for the day. She moved with a gentle efficiency, pulling his t-shirt over his head before carefully maneuvering his legs into his pants. Despite the casual nature of it, she was always mindful of his injuries, moving slowly and checking for any discomfort on his face.

After getting his clothes on, she retrieved his braces, kneeling in front of him, she rolled them up his legs. She then adjusted the lower straps while he did the upper ones. She worked with practiced ease, fastening the straps securely but comfortably.

"You know," Tooey murmured, watching her hands as she adjusted the final strap, "I could get used to this royal treatment."

Molly shot him a playful look. "Don't get too comfortable. Once your legs heal, you're on your own again."

Tooey grinned. "Noted."

Once he was ready, Molly stood up and rolled out to the second-floor landing in front of the stairs. She offered her hands. "Alright, let's get you downstairs."

Tooey grasped her hands, and together, they maneuvered carefully down the stairs. Molly walked slightly ahead of him, keeping one hand on the handrail, ready to steady him if needed. Atsaq, who had been moving about in the kitchen, glanced up when she heard them coming down.

She took in the scene—Molly's patience, Tooey's trust in her—and a small smile crossed her lips.

"Well, look who finally decided to join the land of the living," she teased.

Molly rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly. "Yeah, yeah. Sorry about that."

Atsaq waved her off. "You needed the sleep. Now, since you two are up, you can help me cook."

Tooey groaned playfully. "Mom, you know I can't move around as much right now."

Atsaq smirked. "Which is why you can stir things while Molly does the heavy lifting."

Molly grinned. "Sounds fair." Molly said propping Tooey against the wall before retrieving the wheelchair and bring it downstairs.

With efficiency she helped him into his chair and Tooey wheeled himself to the stove where his mother was preparing what looked like either lunch or dinner.

As they worked in the kitchen, the warm aroma of simmering broth and fresh dough filled the house, creating a cozy contrast to the howling storm outside. Tooey sat at the counter, stirring the soup while Molly kneaded dough for the bread. Atsaq busied herself with chopping vegetables, but every so often, she glanced at the two of them with quiet amusement.

It was then that their conversation took a more personal turn.

Tooey tapped his spoon against the edge of the pot thoughtfully. "You know, Shaeeyaa, I've been thinking…"

Atsaq wondered what "Shaeeyaa" meant, and why Tooey kept referring it to Molly. Not wanting to butt in she remained quiet and just listened.

Molly glanced at him while rolling out the dough. "About what?"

"Our relationship," he admitted. "How do we… I don't know, balance things. We're best friends, but now we're—" He hesitated before finishing, "Something more."

Molly paused her work and wiped her hands on a towel. "Yeah. I've been wondering about that too."

Atsaq didn't say anything at first, but she had been listening. After a moment, she set down her knife and turned to face them. "If you don't mind an old woman's advice…"

Tooey smirked. "Mom, you're not that old."

Atsaq chuckled. "Flattery will get you nowhere." She leaned against the counter, crossing her arms. "Listen, I've known you two since you were born. I've seen how you take care of each other. And I can tell you right now—relationships aren't about having all the answers right away."

Molly nodded slowly, absorbing her words. "So, what do we do?"

Atsaq smiled. "Take your time. Learn from each other. Keep talking. If something feels off, talk about it. If something feels right, don't be afraid of it." She looked between the two of them. "And most importantly, don't forget to just be kids. Love is a beautiful thing, but it doesn't have to be rushed."

Tooey and Molly exchanged a look, a silent understanding passing between them.

Molly was the first to speak. "I like that. Just taking our time."

Tooey nodded. "Yeah. I do too."

Atsaq patted Tooey's shoulder and ruffled Molly's hair affectionately. "Good. Now, get back to work before I regret letting you two in my kitchen."

As Atsaq continued chopping vegetables, a curious look crossed her face. "So, I've been meaning to ask—what's the story behind 'Shaeeyaa'?" She glanced between them with interest. "I hear you call her that all the time, but I don't think I ever asked what it means."

Molly wiped her hands on a towel and leaned against the counter, grinning. "Shaeeyaa is actually the name of a comic book hero we made up a couple of years ago. She was this super cool adventurer who traveled across the universe, helping people, solving mysteries, and fighting off bad guys."

Tooey nodded, a nostalgic smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, we spent months coming up with her story. Her real name was Shimmering Star, but everyone called her Shaeeyaa."

Atsaq raised an eyebrow. "Shimmering Star?"

Molly nodded. "It was meant to symbolize how she always lit the way, no matter how dark things got."

Atsaq's gaze flickered to her son, a knowing expression settling on her face. "And you've been calling Molly that ever since?"

Tooey hesitated for just a moment, then turned to Molly with a small, sincere smile. "Yeah. Because, well… she kind of is my Shimmering Star." He glanced down at his hands before continuing. "Whenever things get bad, or I start feeling like I can't handle something, she's always there. She keeps me moving forward." He met his mother's gaze and said simply, "I'm just really glad she's in my life."

Molly felt her heart swell at his words, warmth creeping into her cheeks. She nudged him playfully, trying to lighten the moment but feeling incredibly touched. "Well, Teekkone, I guess that makes you my co-pilot."

Tooey chuckled. "I can live with that."

Atsaq smiled softly, watching the two of them. She didn't say much after that, but the pride in her eyes was clear.

They laughed, and the conversation shifted back to lighter topics, but the warmth of their words lingered.

For now, they didn't need all the answers. They just needed each other.

* Mumford Residence *

Trini sat curled up on the couch, staring out the window as the storm continued to rage outside. The soft glow of the lamp cast warm light over the room, but inside, her thoughts churned with uncertainty. She let out a frustrated sigh, shifting her gaze toward Joy and Daniel, who were sitting across from her, quietly listening as she tried to put her feelings into words.

"I just don't get it," she finally said, shaking her head. "I told Robbie that he has friends here in Qyah. That I'm here, that he doesn't have to go through everything alone anymore. But… it's like he hears me, but he doesn't believe it. Like he's still stuck thinking he has to handle everything by himself."

Joy leaned forward, her expression gentle. "That's not unusual, sweetheart. When someone's been alone for a long time, even when they do have people who care about them, it can be hard to accept it. It's not that he doesn't want to believe you—it's just that he's not used to having people he can rely on."

Trini sighed again, fidgeting with the sleeve of her sweater. "But what else can I do? I don't want him to think I'm just saying it to be nice. I want him to feel it. To know that he has people who care about him and that he can actually count on us."

Daniel gave her a thoughtful nod. "It takes time, Trini. Trust isn't something you can force—it has to grow. Right now, Robbie's probably still testing the waters, seeing if what you're saying is real. The best thing you can do is keep showing up for him, keep being his friend. Not just with words, but with actions."

Joy smiled. "And you're already doing that. Calling him, making plans to visit, just being there to listen—that all matters. Even if he doesn't say it out loud, I'm sure it means more to him than you realize."

Trini chewed on her lip, thinking. "I guess so… I just hate that he feels like this at all. I wish I could just make it easier for him."

Daniel reached over and squeezed her shoulder. "You're already making a difference. Just be patient. He'll get there."

Trini let out a slow breath and nodded. "Yeah… I just hope he knows I'm not going anywhere."

Joy gave her a reassuring smile. "If anyone can convince him, it's you."

Trini looked between her parents and finally felt a little more at ease. Maybe she couldn't fix everything overnight, but she could keep showing up. She could keep proving to Robbie that he really wasn't alone anymore.

And that, for now, would have to be enough.

Trini sat up suddenly, a spark of determination in her eyes. She knew what she had to do. Without wasting another second, she grabbed her phone and dialed Molly's number.

Molly had just finished lunch with Atsaq and Tooey when her phone rang. She glanced at the screen, saw Trini's name, and answered immediately. "Hey, Trini! What's up?"

"Hey, Molly," Trini said, a little breathless with excitement. "I need your help with something."

Molly glanced at Tooey, who raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Okay, what's going on?"

Trini took a deep breath. "It's Robbie. I just finished talking to him, and he still feels like he's alone. Like, even though I tell him he has friends now, he doesn't feel it, you know? And I was thinking… maybe if he talked to both of you, it would help."

Molly immediately nodded. "Yeah, of course. We'd love to talk to him."

Tooey, who had been listening closely, gave her a reassuring smile. "Yeah, put him on. Maybe we can help."

A few moments later, Trini patched Robbie into the call. "Hey, Robbie, I have someone who wants to talk to you."

There was a pause before Robbie's voice came through. "Uh… okay?"

"Hey, Robbie," Molly greeted cheerfully. "I'm Molly, and this is Tooey."

"Hey," Tooey added. "Trini told us a little bit about you."

"Yeah…" Robbie hesitated. "She's been telling me I'm not alone. That I have friends now, but… I don't know. I guess it's hard to believe."

Molly and Tooey exchanged a knowing glance. They had both felt that way before.

"I get that," Molly said softly. "But you do have friends, Robbie. We all do. And it doesn't matter how long we've known each other—what matters is that we're here now."

"Yeah," Tooey chimed in. "We've been through some tough times ourselves. Just last week, we got lost on our trip back from Nenana. It was freezing, and we had no idea how we were going to make it back. But we had each other, and that made all the difference."

Molly nodded. "There were times when we thought we wouldn't make it, but we kept each other going. That's what friends do."

Robbie was silent for a long moment before he finally spoke. "I wish I had grown up with friends like you guys."

Trini's voice was warm and reassuring. "Even if we didn't grow up together, that doesn't mean we can't be friends now."

"Yeah," Molly agreed. "Friendships don't have to be built over years to mean something. Some of the best friendships can start in a single moment, as long as the people involved are true to each other."

Tooey added, "And we're true to each other, and to you. You're part of this now, Robbie. Whether the friendship is new or old, what matters is that it's real."

Robbie let out a small, shaky breath. "You guys really mean that?"

Trini smiled, even though he couldn't see her. "Yeah, we do."

There was a long pause before Robbie finally said, "Thanks… That actually means a lot."

Molly grinned. "Anytime, Robbie. That's what friends are for."

From his home in Nenana, Robbie didn't feel quite so alone anymore.

Trini thanked Molly and Tooey before ending the call with them, feeling a little lighter knowing that Robbie now had more people reminding him that he wasn't alone. She kept her phone pressed to her ear, remaining on the call with Robbie as she turned to her parents.

"I'm gonna take this to my room," she said, already heading in that direction.

Her parents gave her knowing smiles, but they didn't say anything. They understood that she and Robbie had things to talk about.

Once inside her bedroom, Trini closed the door, climbed onto her bed, and tried to get comfortable. She attempted to lay on her stomach like she normally did while talking on the phone, but the bandages wrapped around her ribs made it too uncomfortable. With a small huff, she adjusted herself, leaning back against the headboard instead. Four-Spots, sensing that she was settling in, hopped onto the bed, and laid his head on her lap, sighing contentedly.

Trini ran her fingers absently through the dog's fur as she continued her conversation. "So, Molly and Tooey are hunkered down together at his place for the duration of the storm," she told Robbie.

"Figures," Robbie replied. "That storm came in fast. No way anyone's going anywhere for a while."

Trini hummed in agreement, letting a comfortable silence settle between them before she spoke again. "So… is there anything else you wanna talk about?"

There was a slight pause before Robbie answered. "Yeah, actually. I wish we were already spending time together. You know, in person."

Trini felt her cheeks warm slightly at his honesty, but she kept her tone casual. "Yeah. Me too. But hey, at least we get to talk like this some more."

"Yeah," Robbie admitted, "but it's not the same."

Trini tilted her head slightly. "You'll survive," she teased, hoping to lighten the mood.

Robbie chuckled. "Probably."

Then, more quietly, he added, "I like you, Trini."

Trini's breath caught slightly before she smirked. "Oh yeah? Is that because you saw me nearly naked when we were in the hospital bathroom? Or is there another reason?"

There was an audible shuffle on the other end of the line, followed by a nervous laugh. "I mean… I won't lie, that was part of it," Robbie admitted sheepishly. "But… not the only reason."

Trini raised an eyebrow, despite knowing he couldn't see her. "Oh? So, what's the other reason?"

Robbie hesitated for a second before speaking. "You're just… you. You're funny, you don't take crap from anyone, and you care about people—even when they don't think they deserve it." His voice was quieter now, more serious. "Like me."

Trini felt a warmth spread through her chest, and she glanced down at Four-Spots, still resting peacefully on her lap. She stroked his fur absently, letting the words settle.

"Well," she said after a moment, her voice softer, "I think you deserve it, Robbie. And I like you too."

She could practically hear the smile in his voice when he responded. "Yeah?"

"Yeah."

Trini found herself smiling at the sound of Robbie's voice, at the way he was opening up more with each conversation. It was funny—she hadn't expected to feel so attached to someone she'd only recently met, yet here she was, lying in bed, grinning like an idiot over a phone call.

She hesitated for a second before asking, "Hey… do you have video on your phone?"

Robbie sounded amused. "Yeah, I do. You wanna switch to video?"

Trini felt her face warm but rolled her eyes at herself. She wasn't about to get all flustered now. "Yeah. Let's do it."

They hung up briefly before reconnecting through a video call. When Robbie's face appeared on the screen, Trini had to admit—he looked different on video. More real. His dark hair was slightly messy, and his expression was a little shy but warm.

"Hey," he said, giving her a small smile.

"Hey yourself," she replied, grinning. "So, first things first—you get to meet Four-Spots."

She angled her phone to show the dog still curled up on her lap. Four-Spots barely opened one eye before huffing and going back to sleep.

Robbie chuckled. "He looks cozy."

"Oh, he is," Trini said, scratching behind the dog's ears. "He's my little heater. Not that I really need one." She shifted her phone again, turning the camera to show her room. "And this is my space. Messy, but it's home."

Robbie nodded in approval. "It's nice. Definitely looks like you."

Trini smirked. "And what exactly does that mean?"

He shrugged. "I dunno. Just… fits you."

She narrowed her eyes playfully but let it go. "Alright, your turn. Show me your place."

Robbie adjusted his phone, giving her a tour of his room. It was neat, but not in a way that felt forced. Posters of old sports teams were pinned to the walls, along with some drawings and a couple of photos.

"See, this looks like you," Trini teased.

Robbie smirked. "And what exactly does that mean?"

Trini laughed. "Guess it just fits you."

Robbie rolled his eyes but was still smiling.

As the conversation flowed, Trini found herself reminiscing. "You know, before we moved here, I lived in Texas," she said.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. And summer there is way different than here. I mean, people here start sweating when it gets into the upper 70s and 80s. But for me? That's nothing. Back in Texas, it gets over one hundred degrees easy."

Robbie's eyes widened. "Over one hundred? No way."

"Yup," Trini confirmed. "And I love it. I love the heat. I love feeling the sun on my skin. It's just—" She sighed, as if trying to put her feelings into words. "It's freeing, you know?"

Robbie nodded slowly. "I don't think I've ever felt anything over the 80s."

Trini grinned. "Then I have to take you somewhere hot one day. Just to see if you melt."

Robbie laughed. "Gee, thanks."

They settled into a comfortable silence for a moment before Trini spoke again. "So… what's the plan when I visit Nenana? What do you wanna do?"

Robbie tilted his head, thinking. "Well, I'd say we could go for a hike, but I don't think you should be climbing anything just yet."

Trini rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, no risky stunts. Doctor's orders."

He smirked. "Maybe we could check out some of the trails anyway. Just a walk. I could show you my favorite spots."

Trini nodded. "That sounds nice. What else?"

"Well," Robbie said, rubbing the back of his neck, "I kinda just wanna spend time with you. Doesn't have to be anything big."

Trini felt her heart do a little flip, but she kept her voice steady. "Yeah. I think I'd like that too."

They kept talking, sharing ideas about what they could do when they were finally together in person. Trini lay against the headboard, absently stroking Four-Spots' fur as she looked at Robbie's face on her screen.

The connection was surprisingly good despite the storm outside, and she could see the soft glow of his bedside lamp casting shadows across his room.

"So, what's the plan when I visit Nenana?" she asked, tilting her head.

Robbie hesitated for a moment before sighing. "Well… I was gonna say hiking, but with all this snow, that's not happening anytime soon. Probably have to wait until spring or summer for that."

Trini chuckled. "Yeah, sinking knee-deep into snow with every step doesn't sound too fun."

"Exactly," Robbie said with a grin. "But there are some really great places I like to go when the weather's nice. There's this one spot by the river where the view is amazing, especially at sunset. And there's a trail that leads up to these rocky cliffs—not super high, but just enough to make you feel like you're on top of the world."

Trini smiled at the thought. "That sounds like something I'd love. What about winter? What do you do for fun now?"

"Oh, tons of stuff," Robbie said. "I love ice-skating—there's this frozen pond a little ways out of town that's perfect for it. And ice fishing—ever been?"

Trini wrinkled her nose. "Yes, I have been skating for a couple of years now. When it comes to ice-fishing I have a feeling sitting on a frozen lake waiting for fish to bite might test my patience."

Robbie laughed. "It's not so bad if you do it right. Gotta have a little shelter to block the wind, bring a heater, some snacks… it's actually really relaxing."

"Huh. Maybe I'll give it a try some time," Trini said thoughtfully. "What about when it's warm? What do you like to do then?"

"Swimming, fishing, hiking, camping," Robbie listed off. "I love just being outside, y'know? Something about being out in the middle of nowhere, away from everything… it's peaceful."

Trini's expression softened. "Yeah. I get that."

She thought for a moment, then smiled as a memory came to mind. "Actually, that reminds me—one time, Molly and I went hiking to collect fireweed. We wanted to make fireweed jelly, but we got caught in a downpour. We had to set up a quick shelter and ended up making a whole campout out of it."

Robbie raised an eyebrow. "Wait, you just camped out?"

"Well, not alone," Trini admitted with a grin. "Walter and my dad were with us. Dad went fishing in a river that was nearby. Walter, Molly and I, built a fire, and cooked some of the fish my dad caught. It turned into this whole unexpected adventure."

Robbie smiled. "That actually sounds kind of perfect."

"It really was," Trini said, thinking back to the way the fire crackled, how the scent of fresh fish filled the air, and the warmth of being surrounded by people she cared about. She met Robbie's gaze through the screen. "Who knows? Maybe someday in the future, we'll have a few memories like that ourselves."

Robbie's expression softened, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Yeah. I think I'd like that."

They fell into a comfortable silence, both of them imagining the possibilities. The storm raged on outside, but inside, Trini felt nothing but warmth.

* Ookami Residence *

After ending the call with Trini and Robbie, Molly set her phone down and stretched her arms over her head, letting out a deep breath. The house was quiet except for the sound of the wind whistling outside, rattling against the windows. The storm was still raging, snow piling up higher by the hour, but inside, it was warm, safe. Cozy.

Tooey, who had been sitting at the table with her, tapped his fingers idly on the surface. "Well, what now?"

Molly grinned and pulled out the Monopoly board. "Feel like losing?"

Tooey raised an eyebrow. "Bold words from someone who barely beat me at Go Fish last time."

Molly laughed as they set up the game, but as the minutes passed, their playful competitiveness gave way to something softer—comfortable silences, lingering glances. Molly would catch Tooey watching her when he thought she wasn't looking, and when their fingers brushed as they reached for game pieces, neither pulled away too quickly.

By the time they had played through a few rounds, trading victories, and teasing each other over bad luck with dice rolls, Tooey let out a long sigh and stretched his arms behind his head. "Okay, I think my brain is fried."

Molly smirked. "You just don't like losing."

"I won the last game!"

She laughed, standing up and stretching. "Wanna watch a movie?"

"Yeah," Tooey said, his eyes flickering toward the couch before hesitating. "But, uh… can you help me over there?"

Molly nodded without hesitation, moving to his side. She had helped him plenty of times before, but there was something different about it this time. She was extra careful with her touch, making sure she wasn't hurting his legs, making sure she wasn't being too rough or too hesitant. Tooey, meanwhile, tried not to think too much about the way she steadied him, or how close they were as she guided him to the couch.

Once he was settled, she climbed up beside him, sitting just close enough that their sides touched but not quite leaning into him—at least, not yet. They scrolled through the movie options until they found something lighthearted.

As the movie began, Tooey draped his arm over her, and for a moment, she didn't react. He wondered if he had crossed a line, but then, slowly, she reached for his hand. Her fingers slid over his, guiding his arm up until it rested under her chin. She held it there, pressing against him slightly, making it clear that she wanted his touch, that she liked being close to him.

Tooey swallowed hard, his heart picking up pace. He had no idea what to say or if he should say anything at all. He was trying to read her—trying to figure out what was going on in her head. Did she think about him the way he thought about her? Was she just comfortable with him, or was it something more?

Molly, for her part, felt the shift in his breathing. She noticed how his fingers flexed slightly against her collarbone, how his body tensed and then relaxed as if he was still deciding how to react. She had always known Tooey cared about her—he had been her best friend for years—but this was different. This was… new.

She could feel his heartbeat, and she wondered if he could feel hers.

Then, without thinking too much about it, she turned her face upward, looking at him. He met her gaze, his brown eyes filled with unspoken thoughts, curiosity, maybe even nervousness.

She hesitated for just a second. Then, she leaned in and kissed him.

It was soft, unhurried, and gentle, just a brush of lips at first. But when she started to pull back, Tooey followed, pressing just a little closer, returning the kiss in the same slow, uncertain way—like neither of them wanted to move too fast, like they were both trying to figure out what this meant, where it was leading.

When they finally broke apart, Tooey's expression was unreadable—confused, maybe, but not in a bad way.

"Why'd you do that?" he asked, his voice quiet, searching.

Molly tilted her head slightly, thinking about how to answer. She could have said a lot of things. That she wanted to. That she had been thinking about it for a while. That she knew, without a doubt, that he liked her, and maybe—just maybe—she was starting to realize she liked him too.

Instead, she just smiled softly and rested her head against his shoulder again.

"I just know you really like me," she said simply.

Tooey was quiet for a moment. Then, a small smile tugged at his lips.

"Yeah," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I do."

And with that, they let the moment settle between them, warm and steady, as the movie continued playing in the background.

* Mumford Residence *

Trini and Robbie continued talking, their conversation flowing easily as they imagined all the things they could do when she finally made it to Nenana.

"Well," Robbie said, "hiking might have to wait until spring or summer, but there's still a lot we could do. I love ice skating. Maybe I could teach you if you don't already know how."

Trini grinned. "Oh, I know how. I just don't know if I'm any good at it."

"That's even better. Teaching someone who already thinks they can skate is more fun," Robbie teased.

She laughed. "Oh, is that right?"

"Yup," he said confidently. "And besides, if you fall, I'll be there to catch you."

Trini felt her face warm slightly at his words, and she was thankful for the dim lighting in her bedroom. "Uh-huh. And what if you fall first?"

Robbie shrugged. "Then I guess you'll just have to catch me."

She rolled her eyes playfully, but before she could respond, her phone let out a sharp beep. Looking down, she saw the low battery warning—only 5% remaining.

"Ugh, I have to end the video," she said reluctantly. "My phone's about to die."

Robbie sighed. "Yeah, I figured. But at least we got to talk."

"Yeah, we did." She hesitated, not wanting to say goodbye just yet. "I'll text you later?"

"For sure," he said. "And Trini?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm really looking forward to seeing you."

Trini felt that warmth spread through her again. She smiled. "Me too."

With that, she ended the call, staring at the dark screen for a moment before sighing and getting up. She walked back into the living room, where her parents were sitting on the couch. She plugged her phone into the charger and flopped down onto the chair across from them.

Daniel looked up from his book. "Good talk?"

Trini nodded. "Yeah. We talked about what we'd do when I visit Nenana, and then Molly, Tooey, and I tried to make Robbie understand that he isn't alone. That he does have friends."

Joy smiled knowingly. "And are you looking forward to this visit?"

Trini stretched her arms behind her head, acting casual. "Of course. I mean, I've never really been to Nenana except when Molly, Tooey and I had that supply run for the Co-op that ended badly. It'll be nice to visit."

Joy raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "So, do you think you have a boyfriend?"

Trini nearly choked on air. "What?"

Joy laughed. "You heard me."

Trini frowned, crossing her arms. "Tooey is my best friend, and so is Molly. Does that mean I have a boyfriend and a girlfriend?"

Daniel chuckled. "Not quite the same thing, sweetheart."

Joy leaned forward, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "So, do you like him?"

Without thinking, Trini answered, "Yeah, I do."

The second the words left her mouth, her brain caught up, and she immediately tried to backtrack. "I mean—! I didn't mean—! I just—"

Her mother grinned triumphantly. "Mmmhmm."

Trini groaned and covered her face with her hands. "Okay, fine! Yes, I like him, a little, okay?"

Joy and Daniel exchanged a look, clearly delighted.

Trini peeked at them through her fingers. "This is the part where you say, 'Oh, Trini, that's completely normal, and we won't make a big deal out of it,' right?"

Daniel smirked. "It is normal."

Joy grinned. "But I am going to make a little bit of a big deal out of it."

Trini groaned again, sinking deeper into the chair. "I walked right into that one."

Trini's face burned as her mother gave her a pointed look, arms crossed, a playful but curious expression on her face.

"So," Joy began, drawing out the word. "How did you really feel when Robbie saw you in the bathroom? You know when you were about to take a shower?"

Trini groaned, already regretting ever mentioning anything about it. "Mom, seriously?"

Joy smirked. "Seriously. Were you embarrassed?"

Trini shifted uncomfortably, feeling her cheeks grow even warmer. "I mean… yeah, a little," she admitted, rubbing the back of her neck. "I wasn't expecting him to be there, and I was, you know, not exactly dressed."

Joy raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Just a little embarrassed? That's it?"

Trini hesitated, trying to find the right words. "I mean… it was awkward, obviously, but he looked just as freaked out as I was. And it wasn't like he did it on purpose."

Joy studied her daughter carefully, her teasing expression softening into something more thoughtful. "But you didn't really freak out, did you?"

Trini exhaled, shifting her weight on the couch. "No. Not really."

Joy tilted her head. "Why do you think that is?"

Trini bit her lip, unsure how to explain it. "I guess… because it was him?" She glanced away, fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. "I wasn't mad at him or anything. I mean, yes, it was awkward, but after a second, it wasn't that bad."

Joy's smirk returned. "Ohhh. I see. It wasn't that bad because it was Robbie."

Trini rolled her eyes. "Mom, stop."

Joy leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "You know, if it had been anyone else, I bet you would've really freaked out."

Trini couldn't argue with that. If it had been some random guy, she would have screamed bloody murder and probably thrown something. But with Robbie… it had been different.

Joy grinned. "That says a lot, doesn't it?"

Trini huffed. "Maybe."

Joy leaned back, satisfied. "Well, I think someone is falling hard."

Trini groaned, burying her face in her hands. "I knew I shouldn't have told you anything."

Daniel, who had been quietly observing from the other side of the room, finally chuckled. "You walked right into that one."

Trini peeked out from her hands to glare at both of them. "You both are the worst."

Joy just laughed. "And yet, you still tell me everything."

Trini sighed dramatically, knowing she had just sealed her fate. Her mom's grin widened as she leaned forward, practically vibrating with excitement.

"Oh, this is so exciting," Joy said, clasping her hands together. "My little girl has a boyfriend."

Trini groaned, throwing her head back against the chair. "Mom, please don't do this."

Joy ignored her protests. "You know, I had a feeling there was something going on! The way you've been talking about Robbie, all the little mentions here and there. And now—now you admit it! You like him, and he likes you back! This is huge." She looked over at Daniel with an exaggerated, dramatic expression. "Can you believe this? Our daughter is smitten!"

Daniel smirked but kept his amusement more subdued. "I figured something was up. You've been on that phone an awful lot lately."

Trini shot him a betrayed look. "Not you too, Dad!"

Joy wasn't done. "So, how does it feel, huh? Knowing he likes you just as much as you like him?"

Trini's face burned. "It feels fine."

"Fine?" Joy echoed, unimpressed. "Come on, Trini, this is your first boyfriend! I need more details. What did he say exactly? How did it happen? Did your heart race? Did you get butterflies?"

Trini groaned, sinking lower in her chair. "Oh my gosh, Mom, you already know how we met! You know we've been talking! Dad told you!"

"Yes, but that was secondhand information," Joy pointed out. "I want the good stuff. The firsthand version."

Trini buried her face in her hands. "This is so embarrassing."

"Oh no, no, no," Joy teased, waving a finger at her. "This is parental bonding, Trini. I have to know these things."

Daniel chuckled. "I'd call it interrogation."

Trini peeked out from her hands, her face still flushed. "Can we not talk about this?"

Joy gasped dramatically. "So, there is a story behind it! I knew it!"

Trini groaned. "I walked right into this, didn't I?"

"Absolutely," Daniel confirmed, flipping a page in his book, clearly enjoying the show.

Joy wasn't done yet. "So, what's the plan now? Have you two talked about what happens when you visit Nenana?"

Trini hesitated, then nodded. "A little. We want to spend time together—just hang out, you know?"

Joy gave her a knowing look. "And do what? Hold hands? Take romantic walks in the snow?"

Trini groaned. "Mom."

Joy winked. "You did say you liked him, so that means I get to tease you about it. It's my job as your mother."

Trini crossed her arms. "You are the worst."

Joy grinned. "And yet, you love me anyway."

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