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.
Recovery Decisions
* Ookami Residence The Next Day *
Atsaq steps into the bedroom quietly, glancing over at the two almost teens snuggled up in the lower bunk. The dim morning light filters through the window, casting a soft glow over them. She leans down, gently nudging Tooey's shoulder.
"Hey, time to wake up," she says softly.
Tooey stirs first, blinking drowsily before nudging Molly beside him. She lets out a small, tired groan, shifting under the blankets.
"Mmm… what time is it?" she mumbles sleepily.
"Early," Atsaq replies. "I have to head out for a while. I should be back by lunchtime, but if I'm not, could you two handle breakfast and lunch?"
Tooey rubs his eyes and nods. "Yeah, we got it."
Molly murmurs her agreement, still half-asleep. Atsaq smiles at them both before giving them one last glance and stepping out of the room, leaving them alone in the quiet morning.
Tooey yawns and stretches before reaching toward his nightstand. He grabs the thermometer, turning it on and pressing it gently against Molly's forehead. She furrows her brows as the cool surface touches her skin but doesn't protest. After a few seconds, the device beeps.
Tooey frowns as he checks the reading. "Still 100."
Molly sighs, rubbing her temples. "At least it's not higher."
He nods but doesn't look entirely satisfied. "How do you feel?"
"Better than yesterday, but still kinda drained."
They check in on each other for a few minutes, discussing their aches and fatigue. Tooey admits his legs feel stiff, and Molly acknowledges that her energy is still lower than normal.
"Okay," Tooey finally says. "Let's get up."
They move carefully, Tooey helped Molly to stand while he turned to sit facing his desk. Tooey reached for his leg braces handing them to Molly. Molly carefully kneels in front of him, helping to put the braces on his legs, tightening the straps with precision, making sure they fit securely.
"All set?" she asks, looking up at him.
Tooey smiles faintly. "Yeah, thanks."
He moves his wheelchair into position and then turns his attention to Molly, offering his arm. "Here, lean on me if you need to."
She takes his hand, using the armrest for balance as they make their way to the bathroom. Tooey keeps a close eye on her, making sure she doesn't sway too much. Once inside, they take turns freshening up, brushing their teeth, and handling their morning routines.
After they finish, Molly helps Tooey downstairs, holding onto the railing while making sure he descends safely. Once he's settled in the living room, she turns to head back up the stairs.
Tooey raises an eyebrow. "Where are you going?"
Molly glances over her shoulder. "To get your chair."
"You don't have to—"
"Too late," she calls, already heading up.
Tooey watches, feeling a pang of concern. He knows she's still not at full strength, and climbing stairs right after waking up probably isn't the best idea. A couple of minutes later, Molly appears at the top of the steps, maneuvering his wheelchair carefully as she makes her way down. By the time she reaches the bottom, her breathing is slightly uneven.
Tooey frowns. "Molly, sit down for a bit. You just went up and down the stairs, and you're still not fully recovered."
Molly hesitates but gives in, collapsing onto the couch with a relieved sigh. "Fine. But only for a minute."
Tooey pulls his chair closer. He helps himself into the chair. Taking a breath himself, he looks at Molly. Tooey watches her for a second before rolling into the kitchen. He wants to take care of breakfast, to give Molly a break. He reaches the cabinets, carefully pushes himself up to stand for a brief moment, and grabs the container of oatmeal. His movements are deliberate—balanced but cautious.
Molly watches him the entire time, her eyes following his every action. There's something about the way he moves, the quiet determination in every motion. She admires the way he takes charge, making sure they both have what they need.
As he starts preparing the oatmeal, pouring water into a pot, and stirring it over the stove, Molly smiles softly. Seeing him like this—focused, capable—makes her heart swell.
As Tooey finishes ladling the steaming oatmeal into two bowls, the comforting scent of cinnamon and sugar fills the kitchen. He places a spoon in each bowl, making sure Molly's has the perfect amount of sweetness—just how she likes it, he hopes. Carefully balancing the bowls, he wheels himself over to the table where Molly is already seated, her posture still a little sluggish from the lingering effects of her fever. She gives him a tired but grateful smile as he places her bowl in front of her.
"Thanks, Tooey," she murmurs, wrapping her hands around the warm bowl as if drawing strength and heat from it.
He nods, picking up his spoon and stirring his own oatmeal. They eat in silence at first, savoring the warmth of the food. After a few bites, Molly lets out a sigh, leaning back slightly in her chair. She absently pushes her spoon through her oatmeal, lost in thought.
"You know what I really miss?" she finally says, glancing up at Tooey.
He looks at her, curious. "What?"
"Sending out a vlog." She huffs, rolling her eyes. "I haven't uploaded in over two weeks. First, we got lost in the storm, then the hospital, and now all of this. My subscribers probably think I fell off the face of the Earth."
Tooey raises an eyebrow. "You kinda did. For a little while, at least."
Molly lets out a short laugh, shaking her head. "Yeah, I guess so. But I still feel bad about it. I was supposed to post an update before all this happened."
"Why not record one today?" Tooey suggests between bites. "Just let everyone know you're okay."
Molly hesitates, chewing on the inside of her cheek. "Maybe… but I don't exactly look my best right now. I don't want to scare anyone off."
Tooey gives her a knowing look. "Molly, you literally survived being lost in the wilderness, got hurt, got sick, and you're still here. You really think your subscribers care if your hair isn't perfect?"
Molly smirks. "You have a point." She leans forward, stirring her oatmeal again. "I'll think about it."
"Bear in mind, you did a VLOG's when your great-aunt Merna gave you your native name and you were covered in mud, and feathers. You also did a vlog when Willow came when you had confetti in your hair. You also…"
Molly quickly stood and placed her lips onto his stopping him from talking. He stopped and reciprocated the kiss. Breaking the kiss, she sat back down, and they just stared at each other. They were both smiling.
As the comfortable silence settled between them, they resumed eating. After a while, Tooey sighed, pushing his spoon around his nearly empty bowl.
"I miss my dogs," he admits softly, his voice tinged with longing.
Molly looks at him with understanding. "Yeah?"
"Yeah," he says with a small nod. "Taking care of them, feeding them, playing with them… just having them around. It feels weird not waking up to them in the morning." He chuckled a little.
Molly smiles. "I bet they miss you too. They were probably just as worried about you as everyone else was."
Tooey's smile fades slightly. "I hope they're okay. I know you and my mom have been taking care of them, but it's not the same. They're my responsibility."
Molly nods thoughtfully. "Once you're back on your feet, you'll be out there with them again in no time."
Tooey sighs again. "Yeah… but my sled needs to be repaired too. Dad told me it took some damage in the fall. Even if I were back at full strength, I wouldn't be able to ride right now."
Molly frowns. "Did he say how bad it was?"
"No, he didn't," Tooey says. "But Dad say it was bad enough that I can't fix it myself right now."
Molly perks up. "Well… maybe once you're feeling better, we can both help fix it. I mean, I don't know much about sleds even though Mr. Patak did say I came from a long line of sled builders, but I can hold tools."
Tooey looks at her, surprised at first, then his lips curve into a smile. "Yeah, I'd like that."
Molly grins, pleased with the idea. They finish the rest of their breakfast in a warm, quiet companionship. Despite the exhaustion, the sickness, and everything else that had happened, there was something comforting about this—just the two of them sitting at the table, talking about the things they loved and missed.
It felt… normal. And right now, normal felt really good.
* Mumford Residence *
Trini drifts into a hazy, dreamlike state, and suddenly, she finds herself in an unfamiliar room. The walls are painted in a muted beige, the kind of color meant to be calming but instead feels sterile. A small clock on the wall ticks softly, filling the silence between words. The air smells faintly of disinfectant, mingled with the scent of old books stacked neatly on a wooden shelf in the corner.
She isn't really there—she knows that. She's just a spectator, an invisible observer in this dream world, watching Robbie sit stiffly on the couch across from a man in a suit. The doctor's glasses reflect the light from the overhead lamp as he watches Robbie with a calm, patient expression, clipboard resting on his lap.
"So, Robbie," the doctor begins, his voice steady but probing. "Can you tell me how you were feeling when you walked onto the frozen river that day?"
Robbie sighs, shifting in his seat. His arms are crossed, his shoulders tight. He shrugs, looking away, eyes fixated on a small scratch on the edge of the wooden coffee table between them.
"I dunno," he mutters. "I was just… walking."
The doctor nods, not pushing just yet. "And why did you choose to walk there instead of staying on the trail?"
Robbie exhales sharply, frustration flickering in his dark eyes. "I don't know. I just did."
Trini, unseen, watches as the doctor studies Robbie's expression. His patience is unwavering, but there's a subtle change in his posture—he's preparing to push just a little harder.
"When you fell through the ice," the doctor continues, voice even, "what was going through your mind?"
Robbie's jaw clenches. His hands grip the fabric of his pants, fingers digging in as if trying to anchor himself. His nostrils flare, and suddenly, his control snaps.
"How the heck was I supposed to feel?!" he bursts out, his voice raw and sharp. "I fell into freezing water! I couldn't get out! What kind of question is that?"
Trini flinches at his outburst, but the doctor remains steady, letting the frustration settle in the air before responding.
"I understand that must have been terrifying," the doctor says calmly. "And I know it's hard to talk about. But what I'm really asking is—how do you feel right now, sitting here, thinking about it?"
Robbie stares at him. The fire in his eyes doesn't fade immediately, but it simmers down into something else—something heavy. His lips part slightly, and for a second, it looks like he might actually answer.
But then, he doesn't.
Instead, he shuts down. His expression goes blank, his shoulders drop, and he looks away again. The silence stretches between them, thick with unspoken words.
The doctor shifts, crossing one leg over the other. He watches Robbie carefully before trying again. "Are you comfortable being here, Robbie?"
Robbie meets his gaze this time, his voice flat and distant. "No."
The dream suddenly blurs, the scene fading into a swirl of colors and shadows.
Trini gasps softly as she feels a gentle touch on her shoulder, pulling her from the dream world. Her mother's voice filters in through the fog of sleep.
"Trini, honey, wake up."
She blinks, her room slowly coming into focus. The warmth of her blanket, the soft glow of daylight filtering through the window—it was just a dream.
But as she sits up, the uneasy feeling lingers. Because dream or not, she knows deep down… that's exactly how Robbie would have reacted.
Trini rises from her bed, still feeling the weight of her dream lingering in her mind. The way Robbie had shut down, the frustration in his voice, the blankness in his stare—it all felt so real. As she steps out of her room, her mother, Joy, immediately picks up on her demeanor.
"You're thinking about something," Joy observes, her voice gentle but curious. "Everything okay?"
Trini hesitates for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, just… waking up."
Joy doesn't press further, though her eyes linger on Trini for a second longer before letting it go. Trini heads to the bathroom, washes up, and gets dressed before making her way to the dining room, where the comforting smell of breakfast greets her.
At the table, Joy and Daniel are already seated, enjoying their meal. Today's breakfast is the Mumford Mismatch Omelet—a combination of whatever ingredients they have left over from previous meals. But instead of fresh eggs from their chickens, they're using store-bought ones, since the hens won't start laying again until spring.
Trini takes a seat, the warmth of the meal helping to shake off the last remnants of her dream. The conversation is light, mostly about the weather and their plans for the day. However, before they can get too far into their meal, a sudden, firm knock echoes through the house.
All three of them pause, exchanging glances.
Daniel wipes his mouth with a napkin before pushing his chair back and making his way to the door. When he swings it open, they're all surprised to see Atsaq, bundled up tightly against the cold, standing on their front step.
"Atsaq!" Daniel exclaims. "Come in before you freeze out there."
She steps inside, her cheeks slightly pink from the chill, and waves off the invitation to sit. "Thank you, but I'm not here for breakfast." She turns to Trini with a small smile. "I'm here as your doctor. It's time for your checkup."
Trini's face lights up. "Atsaq! It's good to see you."
While Atsaq unpacks her medical bag, Trini sits still as the routine examination begins. Atsaq checks her temperature, listens to her breathing, and gently presses along her surgery site to check for any tenderness.
"So, how are Tooey and Molly doing?" Trini asks as Atsaq moves through the checkup.
"They're managing well," Atsaq replies, smiling. "Tooey's been taking great care of Molly, and she's starting to regain her strength. She still needs rest, but they're looking out for each other."
Trini relaxes a bit, glad to hear that her friends are healing. Once Atsaq finishes her standard checkup, she gives a satisfied nod. "Everything is looking good, Trini. You're healing well."
Trini grins. "That's great!"
"But" Atsaq continues, reaching into her bag, "I'm also here for one more thing."
Trini tilts her head, curious. "What is it?"
Atsaq pulls out a three-pronged metal tool that looks vaguely like a staple remover. The moment Trini lays eyes on it, realization dawns on her.
"The staples," she breathes, her excitement growing. "They're coming out?"
Atsaq nods. "That's right. It's time."
Trini eagerly pulls off her sweater and lifts her T-shirt, exposing the now-healed surgical site. She takes a deep breath, bracing herself, but as Atsaq begins the removal, she finds that the process isn't as bad as she thought. There's a slight pinch, a tug, but nothing unbearable.
A few stubborn staples require extra effort, and Atsaq has to apply a couple of small bandages where they pulled at the skin. But in just a few minutes, it's over.
"All done," Atsaq announces, packing her tools away.
Trini stares at her bare skin where the staples had been, her fingers ghosting over the bandages. She looks up, beaming. "So… does this mean I can finally take a bath?"
Atsaq chuckles. "Yes, now that the staples are out, you can fully immerse yourself in water instead of just taking showers."
The moment those words register, Trini jumps up in excitement. "Yes!" she shouts, hopping up and down in pure joy.
Joy and Daniel freeze mid-bite, their expressions turning to alarm. "Trini—wait!" Joy calls, eyes darting to her daughter's surgery site as if expecting her to collapse in pain.
Trini stops, blinking at them. "What?"
Daniel leans forward. "Did that hurt? Any pain at all?"
Trini twists her torso, testing for discomfort. To her delight, there's none. She gives them a reassuring smile. "Nope! I feel fine."
Joy and Daniel exchange relieved glances before exhaling in unison.
"Well," Joy says, shaking her head with a fond smile. "I guess that's a good sign."
Trini beams, practically buzzing with energy. After weeks of healing, restrictions, and careful movements, she finally feels like she's getting her life back.
And she couldn't be happier.
Atsaq finishes packing up her medical bag, then looks at Trini with a patient but firm expression. "The skin at your surgical site has healed well, but your bones are still in the process of mending. You need to keep taking your medications and, most importantly, avoid any strenuous activity."
Trini's smile falters slightly. "For how long?"
"You'll need to wait until you're officially cleared by the surgical team at the hospital," Atsaq explains. "That'll be in about four to five weeks."
Trini's excitement visibly deflates. "Awww, man," she groans, slumping back in her chair. "That's forever."
Atsaq chuckles, pulling her coat back on. "It'll pass before you know it. For now, just take it easy. The more you rest, the better your recovery will be."
Trini sighs but nods. "Yeah, yeah, I know."
Satisfied, Atsaq bundles up, adjusting her scarf and gloves before heading for the door. "Take care, all of you," she says, giving them a final nod.
Daniel opens the door for her, and a burst of cold air rushes in as she steps outside. They watch her disappear into the snowy landscape before closing the door behind her.
Trini stares at the door for a moment, still processing everything. "Four to five weeks," she mutters under her breath.
Joy places a gentle hand on her shoulder. "It's not that long, sweetie. You've come this far—just a little more patience."
Trini exhales dramatically, then nods. "I guess…" She looks down at her still-bandaged torso. "At least I can take a bath now."
Daniel smirks. "Just don't overdo it. We don't need you slipping and needing more stitches."
Trini rolls her eyes but laughs. "I'll be careful, Dad."
With that, she stands up and stretches, still feeling lighter despite the lingering recovery time. One step at a time, she reminds herself. She was healing, and soon enough, she'd be back to normal.
* Trading Post *
The morning air is crisp as Atsaq pushes open the door to the trading post. A bell jingles softly above her head, signaling her arrival. Inside, the warmth from the wood-burning stove seeps into her thick layers of clothing, bringing a welcome relief from the cold. The scent of freshly brewed coffee, sizzling reindeer sausage, and buttery pancakes fills the cozy space.
Seeing that no one was downstairs, Atsaq climbs the stairs into the living area. She sees both Walter and Layla.
Layla looks up from where she's setting a plate down on the counter and beams. "Atsaq! It's good to see you."
Walter, seated at the small wooden dining table, glances over with a welcoming nod. "Come in, come in. You must be freezing."
Atsaq steps fully inside and pulls off her gloves, rubbing her hands together to warm them up. "It's cold, but I've had worse," she says with a small chuckle.
Layla waves her over. "Join us for breakfast. We made plenty."
Atsaq hesitates for only a second before nodding. "I won't say no to a warm meal." She peels off her coat, hanging it on the nearby rack before making her way to the table.
Walter pushes out a chair with his foot, and Atsaq takes a seat while Layla places a steaming plate in front of her. Two golden pancakes sit beside thick slices of reindeer sausage, and a cup of hot tea steams invitingly at her side.
"Thank you," Atsaq says sincerely as she picks up her fork.
Layla settles back into her seat, pouring herself more tea before looking up. "So, how are the kids doing?"
Atsaq swallows a bite of sausage and nods. "They're managing. Molly is still weak, but she's improving little by little. She needs a lot of rest, and I made sure she stayed home this morning."
Layla's brow furrows slightly. "She didn't want to come with you?"
Atsaq shakes her head, taking a sip of her tea. "She probably would have if I let her, but she's not ready for that yet. Her body is still recovering. Tooey is keeping an eye on her and helping where he can."
Layla sighs but nods. "I'm glad he's stepping up. He always had a good heart."
Walter, who has been quietly listening, sets his coffee mug down with a soft clink. "Is Molly frustrated about all the resting she has to do?"
Atsaq smirks slightly. "Oh, definitely. But she knows she has no choice. Tooey makes sure she doesn't push herself too hard."
Layla's lips twitch into a small smile. "That boy—he's got more patience than I expected. I was worried he'd be stubborn about all this, but it sounds like he's really taking care of her."
Atsaq nods in agreement. "They take care of each other. It's been good for them—this whole experience has brought them closer." She pauses before adding, "I think they're learning what it really means to rely on someone."
Layla shares a knowing glance with Walter before looking back at Atsaq. "That's a good thing," she says softly.
Atsaq takes another bite of her pancake, chewing thoughtfully. "Yeah," she agrees after swallowing. "It really is."
Walter leans back in his chair, his coffee mug cradled in his weathered hands, his brow furrowed in thought. He watches Layla and Atsaq for a moment before exhaling heavily. "I know they're helping each other through all this, and I won't deny that what they've been through has changed them. But don't you think they're moving too fast? I mean… it's not just about feelings. It's about what happens when the adrenaline wears off and real life settles in."
Atsaq, stirring her tea, takes a moment to gather her thoughts. "They've been through something life-changing, Walter. That kind of experience binds people together. They aren't just feeling things because of some rush of emotions—they've had to rely on each other in ways that most people never have to." She sets her spoon down and meets his gaze. "They're moving at their own pace. It just looks fast from the outside."
Walter shakes his head. "I get that, I do. But I worry about what happens when the dust settles. Right now, they're still in recovery. They're still processing what happened. What if, once everything's back to normal, they realize they mistook trauma bonding for something deeper?" He rubs his hands together. "What if they're just holding on to each other because they don't know how to let go?"
Layla, who has been listening quietly, places a gentle hand on Walter's arm. "Molly already talked to me about this," she says softly. "She's not being impulsive. She knows that what they went through has affected them, and she's been thinking about it a lot. She told me it doesn't feel rushed—it feels right. Like something that was meant to be."
Walter sighs, shifting in his chair. "And what about Tooey? He's always been responsible, but I don't want him to feel like he has to take care of Molly out of obligation. That boy's got a big heart, and I just don't want him getting hurt if she decides later that she doesn't feel the same way."
Atsaq smiles slightly, shaking her head. "You're underestimating my son, Walter. Tooey isn't the type to mistake duty for love. If he's investing in this, it's because he wants to, not because he feels like he has to. And as much as Molly leans on him, he leans on her just as much. They're helping each other, not just one taking care of the other."
Walter lets out a slow breath, clearly still wrestling with his thoughts. "I just don't want them to make promises they can't keep. They're young. What if they get in too deep and regret it later?"
Layla squeezes his arm reassuringly. "That's a possibility with any relationship, Walter, no matter the age. But they're being open and honest with each other. That's more than a lot of adults can say."
Atsaq nods. "And they're not just acting on emotion. They talk. They reflect. They're taking care of each other in a way that shows real understanding. That doesn't mean they won't face challenges, but it does mean they're not blindly running into something they don't understand."
Walter sighs again, running a hand through his hair before finally nodding. "Alright. I'll try to trust that they know what they're doing. I just don't want either of them to wake up one day and feel like they made a mistake."
Layla smiles. "That's a risk with any relationship, Walter. But it's their risk to take. And from what I've seen, they're handling it with more maturity than most would."
Walter takes another sip of his coffee, nodding slowly. "I hope you're both right."
Atsaq smiles, finishing the last of her tea. "We'll keep watching out for them, just like we always have."
The three sit in thoughtful silence, the warmth of the trading post contrasting with the cold wind howling outside. Despite Walter's concerns, a quiet understanding settles between them—whatever comes next, they'll be there for the kids, no matter what.
* Ookami Residence *
Tooey gently adjusts his hold on Molly, his arms wrapping more securely around her as she leans against him, her head resting on his chest. His heartbeat is steady beneath her ear, a comforting rhythm that matches the slow rise and fall of his breathing. The fire crackles softly in the background, casting flickering shadows along the walls, filling the room with warmth.
Molly lets out a quiet sigh, nestling closer to him. "It's crazy to think about everything that's happened," she murmurs, tracing lazy circles with her fingertips on the arm of his shirt. "A couple of weeks ago, we were lost in the middle of nowhere, and now… here we are."
Tooey tilts his head slightly, resting his chin against her hair. "Yeah… it feels like it's been forever. And at the same time, like it all happened in the blink of an eye." He exhales deeply, his fingers rubbing slow, absentminded patterns on her stomach . "I still don't know how we managed to make it through all that."
Molly gives a small, tired chuckle. "Pure stubbornness, probably." She glances up at him with a tiny smirk. "And you were determined to keep me moving."
Tooey huffs a quiet laugh, shaking his head. "Like you weren't doing the same thing for me?" His voice softens. "I wouldn't have made it without you, Molly and your ideas."
She shifts against him slightly, adjusting her position so she can see his face. Her expression is thoughtful, her dark eyes searching his. "You really think so?"
Tooey meets her gaze without hesitation. "I know so." His grip tightens just a little, like he's making sure she's really there. "You kept me focused when I was exhausted when my legs didn't want to move anymore. And when we were in the hospital, you were the only person I wanted to see beside Trini. You… made everything feel less scary."
Molly swallows hard, her fingers clenching slightly in his shirt. "You did the same for me," she admits. "When I was stuck in that bed, I just kept thinking… at least Tooey's here." Her voice lowers to almost a whisper. "If you weren't… I don't know how I would've handled it."
They fall into a moment of quiet, the weight of their words settling between them. The fire crackles again, filling the silence with a comforting warmth.
Tooey finally speaks, his voice gentle. "My mom told Layla and Walter that we've been taking care of each other." He shifts slightly so he can look at her better. "That we're helping each other heal."
Molly gives a small, knowing smile. "She's not wrong." She nudges him lightly. "You make me rest when I don't want to, and I make sure you don't push yourself too hard either. I'd say that's a pretty good system."
Tooey grins, the warmth of it reaching his eyes. "Yeah… we balance each other out." He pauses, his thumb brushing lightly along her shoulder. "And honestly… I like this. Being here with you."
Molly looks up at him again, her expression softening. "Me too." She lets out a breath, closing her eyes briefly. "I think… I needed you, Tooey. And I didn't even realize how much until now."
Tooey presses a gentle kiss to the top of her head, his voice quiet but firm. "You're not alone, Molly. You never have to be alone."
She exhales slowly, melting further into his embrace, as if his words were the final reassurance she needed.
Tooey tightened his arms around Molly, feeling the warmth of her body against his. The steady rhythm of her breathing, the way she fit so perfectly in his embrace—it was something he never wanted to end. He sighed, pressing his cheek against the top of her head, his fingers tracing slow, absentminded patterns on her arm.
"I love that we're this close," he murmured, his voice soft but full of meaning. "I just wish it could be like this forever."
Molly, hearing his words, smiled against his chest before shifting slightly. She turned so that she was facing him, resting one hand lightly on his chest as she gazed up at him. Her dark brown eyes searched his curiosity flickering in them. "If I hear you correctly… are you saying we should be forever?"
Tooey's breath hitched slightly at her words. He met her gaze, his expression open, honest. "That's exactly what I'm saying."
Molly's lips curved into a teasing smirk. "Are you asking me to marry you, Teekkone?"
Tooey blinked, caught completely off guard by her question. His mouth opened slightly, as if searching for words, but instead of answering with words, he acted. He gently cupped her face in his hand, his thumb brushing lightly against her cheek before he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers in a deep, passionate kiss.
Molly's mind whirled, her heart pounding in her chest as she melted into the kiss. And in that moment, everything clicked into place. As his lips moved against hers, she put two and two together. When Tooey finally pulled back, his forehead resting lightly against hers, she let out a small breathless chuckle.
"I guess that means you were asking me," she murmured, her fingers gently curling and enveloping Tooey's hand.
Tooey gazed at her, his eyes filled with love and a hint of nervousness. He waited, watching as Molly's expression shifted into something thoughtful. He could almost hear the gears turning in her mind, and he held his breath, waiting for her response.
A few moments passed before Molly smiled, her eyes shining with emotion. Instead of answering right away, she leaned backwards and kissed him again, slow, and sweet.
When she finally pulled away, she whispered against his lips, "I would love to be Mrs. Molly Mabray-Ookami… or just Molly Ookami."
Tooey let out a small, relieved laugh, his arms wrapping even tighter around her as he buried his face in her hair. "You have no idea how happy that makes me," he murmured.
Molly giggled, pushing back onto him, and nuzzling into him. "I think I do," she teased.
They stayed like that, wrapped up in each other, the world outside forgotten. Whatever challenges lay ahead didn't matter—because they had each other. And for them, that was forever.
Molly rested her head against Tooey's chest, her fingers gently tracing the fabric of his shirt. Her heart still fluttered from their shared confession, from the way his kiss had sealed the promise between them. She smiled softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I would love to marry you, Tooey," she admitted, her words carrying the weight of truth. "But…" She sighed, glancing away for a brief moment before looking back at him. "We both know we're still too young to actually make that decision right now."
Tooey exhaled, a mix of contentment and longing in his expression. He nodded, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah, I know," he agreed, his tone thoughtful. "But knowing that's what we both want… it just feels right. It gives us something to look forward to."
Molly's eyes softened. "It does," she murmured, tightening her arms around him. "Like, even though we have to wait, it doesn't change how I feel about you. It doesn't change what we mean to each other."
Tooey smiled, leaning in to press a lingering kiss to her forehead. "Exactly," he whispered. "It just means we have more time to grow together, to make sure we're ready when the time comes."
Molly nodded, sinking into his embrace, her head resting against his chest once more. "I like the sound of that."
They sat in silence for a while, their hands intertwined, their breathing in sync. The weight of their conversation settled in, but instead of uncertainty, they felt only peace. They had time—time to build on what they had, to strengthen their love, to reach the future they both now envisioned.
And as they held each other, they knew one thing for certain.
No matter how long they had to wait, their love was real. And it was forever.
As they were enjoying their time of contentment. Molly turned to look at Tooey. "Teekkone, what would you like for lunch?" Tooey looks at Molly and just smiles.
* Mumford Residence *
Trini finished cleaning up after lunch, moving methodically around the kitchen as she put the last of the dishes away. Her thoughts were still on Robbie, wondering how his doctor's appointment had gone. She dried her hands on the dish towel, and just as she set it down, her computer beeped. She froze for a moment, heart fluttering, then hurried over to open the screen.
Robbie's face appeared, but something was off—he looked drained. His eyes were tired, his face pale, and his hair was a mess as if he hadn't had a chance to freshen up after his appointment. It was clear he'd been through a lot.
"Hey, Robbie," Trini greeted softly, the concern in her voice evident. "Are you feeling okay?"
Robbie looked at her through the screen, offering a small, tired smile, though it didn't quite hide the exhaustion in his eyes. "I just got back from the doctor's," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm alright… just a little drained. It was a lot to take in."
Trini's heart dropped at the sound of his voice. "I hope it went well," she said, the concern deepening in her voice.
He nodded slowly but didn't offer any details right away. Trini could tell he was holding back, but she didn't want to push him too soon. Before he could say anything more, she felt an urge to share something with him.
"Wait," she said quickly, sitting down in front of her computer. "I have to tell you something." She paused for a second, biting her lip as she tried to find the right words. "I had this dream last night, and it felt so real. It was about you and the doctor."
Robbie tilted his head, intrigued by the sudden shift in the conversation. "A dream?" he asked with a curious smile. "What about?"
Trini shifted a little, her voice growing more animated as she began describing it. "Okay, so I was just, like, a fly on the wall in your doctor's office. You were sitting there with the doctor, and he was asking you how you felt walking over the frozen river. You didn't really give him much, just kind of brushed it off. And then he asked about how you felt when you fell in the ice… and you—you totally lost it, Robbie. You yelled at him about how the heck you were supposed to feel, falling into freezing water like that, unable to get out."
Trini looked up from her screen, gauging Robbie's reaction. He seemed caught off guard but was listening closely.
"Then," she continued, "he tried to get you to talk about how you were feeling right then, in that moment. But you didn't answer. You just kind of stared at him. And when he asked if you were comfortable being there, you just said, 'No.'" Trini took a deep breath, finishing the story. "It was weird, but it felt so real."
Robbie sat still for a moment, taking in everything she said. His expression softened, and after a long pause, he finally spoke. "Well, that was close… but not exactly how it went down," he admitted, his voice quiet.
Trini's brow furrowed in confusion. "Oh? What happened differently?"
He leaned back slightly in his chair, his shoulders slumping as he ran a hand through his hair. "The thing is, I was frustrated, yeah. The doctor kept asking me these questions that I just didn't want to answer. It was like I couldn't get out of my own head. But I didn't yell. I didn't really lose my temper. I just… shut down. I didn't want to talk, so I didn't."
Trini let out a slow breath, the tension in her shoulders easing. She could understand that—sometimes, talking about things just felt too hard, especially when you didn't know where to start. "So, it wasn't as dramatic as I dreamed?"
Robbie shook his head. "Not really. I mean, I did tell the doctor I wasn't comfortable being there, though. I just kind of left it at that." He gave her a tired smile, his eyes searching hers for a moment. "But hey, I'm glad you were there in your dream, at least. It's like you were right there with me, even if you couldn't be."
Trini smiled softly, touched by his words. "I guess it's a way of being there without actually being there," she said, her voice gentle. "I just want you to know that I care, Robbie. I care about how you're feeling, and I want to be here for you through all of it."
Robbie's smile grew, though it was still tinged with exhaustion. "I know," he said, his voice quieter now. "It means a lot, Trini. I… I don't really know how to say it, but I'm really glad I have you to talk to about all of this. Even if I don't always know what to say myself."
Trini's heart warmed at his words, and she couldn't help but smile back at him. "You don't always have to know what to say," she reassured him. "I'm happy just to listen. And when you're ready, I'll be here to help however I can."
For a moment, there was a quiet pause between them. Robbie seemed to settle, his shoulders relaxing a bit, and Trini felt a little lighter, knowing she had been able to connect with him in some small way. He gave her a small, sincere smile.
"I think I'll be alright," he said quietly. "It's just one day at a time, right?"
"Exactly," Trini agreed, nodding. "And you don't have to go through it alone."
Robbie's smile softened. "Thanks, Trini. Really. You've been amazing."
Trini's heart fluttered at his words, feeling the bond between them grow stronger. "Anytime, Robbie. Anytime."
Trini watched as Robbie settled down, and took a few deep breaths. As she was watching him a frown creased her forehead when he mentioned that the best was yet to come. "What do you mean by that?" she asked, confused by the shift in his tone.
Robbie let out a small chuckle, but there was a hint of nervousness behind it. "Well," he started, running a hand through his hair, "I have another appointment on Thursday. Same doctor, probably the same questions... and honestly, I'm not sure how I'm going to answer this time. It's not going to be easy."
Trini's brows furrowed with concern, but she tried to keep her voice steady. "That sounds tough. Do you know what kind of questions they'll ask?"
He shrugged slightly, his expression unreadable. "I'm sure they'll ask about how I've been feeling, how the recovery's been, and... probably more about what happened when I fell through the ice. I'm just not sure how much I can talk about it yet. It's all still a little raw for me."
Trini nodded slowly, her heart heavy for him. "I can only imagine how hard that must be," she said softly. "But Robbie... you don't have to talk about everything all at once, right? You can take your time."
Robbie gave her a small, appreciative smile. "I know. But it's just... there's a part of me that wants to get it over with, you know? I want to stop feeling like I'm stuck in the past, but sometimes it feels like it's all I can think about."
Trini's voice softened, her eyes full of understanding. "You don't have to rush it, Robbie. Just take it one step at a time. The best thing you can do is be honest with yourself, even if it takes time to work through it all."
He met her gaze, the vulnerability in his eyes more apparent than before. "I guess I'm just scared," he admitted quietly. "What if talking about it makes it worse? Or what if they want me to go back to the hospital or something?"
Trini reached out, offering a reassuring smile. "Whatever happens, you're not alone in this. I'm here for you, Robbie. And I know you'll figure it out. You've already come so far."
He smiled back at her, though his eyes still held a trace of uncertainty. "Thanks, Trini. It helps, talking to you about it. It makes it feel less scary."
Trini felt a warmth spread in her chest at his words. "Anytime, Robbie. I'm here, always."
Trini sat back in her chair, a soft smile playing at her lips as she thought of the recent events. "Oh, and speaking of things being less scary," she said, turning her attention back to Robbie. "I had my staples removed earlier today. It felt weird, but it's a relief knowing that part of the healing process is done."
Robbie looked at her with interest, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "Oh wow, that's great! How are you feeling now?"
Trini nodded, the smile never leaving her face as she spoke. "It's definitely a step forward. I can move around a bit more easily now without that tight feeling. But, you know, I'm still not fully in the clear. My ribs are still healing, and I can't go overboard with anything just yet."
Robbie's brow furrowed slightly. "I can imagine it's been tough to hold back when you probably just want to get back to your normal routine. It must be frustrating not to be able to do everything you want."
Trini sighed softly, glancing down for a moment. "Yeah, it is. I mean, I feel so much better, but I still can't push it. I've been doing a bit more, like helping with small things around the house, but I have to remind myself to take it slow. I really don't want to set myself back by overdoing it."
Robbie nodded in understanding. "I get that. It's like you're doing better, but there's still that part of you that wants to go all in, right? But it's good you're listening to your body, Trini."
She smiled at him appreciatively. "Thanks, Robbie. It's hard, though. I want to do more, like help my parents more outside, or even just go for a walk, but I have to hold back." She paused and looked directly at him, a hint of concern in her voice. "I don't want to make it worse, you know?"
Robbie gave a reassuring nod. "Yeah, I totally get it. It's frustrating, but you're doing the right thing. You're stronger than you realize, and taking care of yourself now means you'll be able to do more later when you're fully healed."
Trini smiled, feeling a sense of calm in his words. "Thanks, Robbie. I guess it's just a matter of patience. I know it's all for the best in the long run, even if it's hard to wait."
Robbie's expression softened, his eyes focused on her with an understanding warmth. "You're doing great, Trini. It'll all pay off, I promise. And in the meantime, you've got your weekend to look forward to, right? A little bit of a break from all the recovery stuff."
Trini chuckled, feeling a little lighter. "Yeah, that's right. Just gotta get through the next couple of days, and then we can relax. It's been a long haul, but we're getting there."
Robbie smiled warmly, offering her a comforting nod. "One step at a time. You've got this."
Trini gave him a grateful look. "Thanks, Robbie. It's nice knowing that even though we're both dealing with our own stuff, we've got each other to lean on."
Robbie's smile grew a little wider. "Definitely. You're not in this alone, Trini."
Her heart felt lighter as they shared the quiet understanding between them. Despite everything they were going through, it was clear they had each other's backs.
* Ookami Residence *
Molly and Tooey had just finished their bath, the warmth of the water still lingering on their skin. Wrapped in towels, they moved carefully from the bathroom to the bedroom.
They took turns helping each other change into their pajamas. Tooey, still mindful of his limited mobility sat on the edge of the chair as Molly helped him slip into his pajama bottoms.
In return, Tooey steadied Molly as she pulled on her pajamas, her movements sluggish from exhaustion.
Once dressed, Molly gathered up their wet clothes and made her way downstairs to put them in the dryer. Tooey watched her go, noticing how slow her steps were, her body weighed down with fatigue. He frowned, concern settling in his chest.
By the time she climbed back up the stairs and stepped into the bedroom, her breathing was heavier, and her face looked flushed. Tooey immediately reached for the thermometer on his nightstand. "Come here, Molls," he said gently, motioning for her to sit beside him.
She obeyed, sinking down onto the bed beside him without protest. Tooey pressed the thermometer against her forehead, waiting for the beep. When it registered, he sighed. "Still 101," he murmured, his expression troubled.
Molly leaned into him, resting her head against his shoulder. "I figured," she said tiredly. "Just walking up the stairs felt like climbing a mountain."
Tooey wrapped an arm around her, pulling her in closer. "You've been pushing yourself too much today. Molly those stairs are probably what is wearing you out. You need to rest."
Molly hummed in agreement, closing her eyes for a moment. "I know," she admitted. "But I don't like you doing everything by yourself."
Tooey shook his head with a small smile. "And I don't like seeing you this wiped out. We take care of each other, remember? That means knowing when to slow down too."
Molly let out a small chuckle. "Yeah, yeah… I hear you."
Tooey gave her a squeeze. "Good. Now, lay down, and I'll grab an extra blanket."
Molly didn't argue, shifting to get comfortable as Tooey brought a softer blanket and draped it over her, brushing a few damp strands of hair from her forehead.
Molly laid against the pillow as she watched Tooey maneuver his chair close to the bed and grabbed the headboard and the rail of the upper bed and lifted himself until he was over the bed. He then lowered himself into position on the right side of the bed while Molly was situated on the left side.
He took a few breaths, since moving himself like that took a bit out of him as well. Once his breathing was back to normal he pulled his legs onto the bed and covered them with the sheet, blanket and comforter. He then worked on laying back and making himself comfortable,
He relaxed a moment once he and Molly were covered. As he was looking at the clock and seeing the time, he felt Molly moving closer and placing her head on his chest and holding his right hand in hers.
Enjoying the contact, he places his left arm around her and places it on her shoulder and pulling her close. They both smile, and kiss each other. Molly on his chin, and Tooey on her forehead.
As they lay wrapped in the warmth of their blankets, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting gentle shadows across the room, Molly and Tooey let their thoughts drift into the future—the one they had both just admitted they wanted together. Their hands remained intertwined, fingers loosely laced as if neither wanted to let go.
Tooey let out a content sigh, his voice soft as he asked, "So… what do you think you'd love the most about being married?"
Molly smiled, shifting slightly so she could rest her head more comfortably against his shoulder. "The first thing I would love would be the last name," she said with a small, dreamy laugh. "Molly Ookami—it has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"
Tooey grinned, his heart skipping a beat at the thought of her taking his name. "Yeah… it really does." He squeezed her hand. "Hearing you say that just made it feel even more real."
Molly looked up at him, her brown eyes twinkling. "It is real, Teekkone. I mean, not right now—but one day, it will be. And I think I'll love knowing that we belong to each other in that way."
Tooey's smile softened, his fingers brushing against the back of her hand. "I think the best part for me would be knowing that no matter what happens, you'll always be by my side." He turned to meet her gaze. "Like… I know we already take care of each other now, but as husband and wife, it'd be different. We wouldn't just be best friends anymore—we'd be a family."
Molly's heart swelled at his words, and she snuggled closer, resting her hand against his chest. "That's what I want too," she murmured. "To know that no matter what, we'll always have each other to come home to."
They fell into a comfortable silence, both lost in the idea of what their future together might look like. Then, Molly spoke again, her voice thoughtful. "But before we get there… what do you want to do? Like, before we're old enough to actually get married?"
Tooey thought for a moment, idly tracing patterns on the back of her hand with his thumb. "I want to finish school, of course. And I really want to race my sled again—really compete, not just for fun. I miss my dogs so much." His voice grew wistful. "Training them, taking care of them… being out on the trails. It's part of who I am, and I want to get back to it."
Molly smiled, tilting her head to look up at him. "You're going to be amazing when you do. I'll be right there, cheering you on."
Tooey chuckled. "I'll hold you to that." He looked at her curiously. "What about you? What do you want to do?"
Molly sighed, thinking. "I want to keep making my vlogs, but more than that, I want to see more of the world. I love our home, but there's so much out there. I want to travel—see new places, meet new people, and learn new things." She paused, her voice taking on a wistful tone. "I want to know what else is out there before I decide where I want to be forever."
Tooey nodded, his grip on her hand tightening slightly. "Maybe we can do that together. See the world first before we settle down."
Molly beamed at the idea. "That sounds amazing. Imagine all the places we could go."
Tooey chuckled, lifting a hand to tuck a strand of damp hair behind her ear. "No matter where we go, as long as we're together, I know it'll be perfect."
Molly sighed happily, curling closer into him. "Yeah… me too."
They lay in quiet contentment, their dreams unfolding in the space between them. There was still so much ahead—so much to experience, to learn, and to grow into. But as they held onto each other, one thing remained certain: their futures would always be intertwined.
Exhaustion pulled them deeper into rest, They each felt a sense of comfort in the other's presence. No matter how sick or tired, or injured they felt, they knew one thing for certain—they weren't facing it alone.
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