His First Love, My Son's Grave

axwell had knelt before m

He'd heard stories of my tribe, of our connection to the land, our ability to heal and restore b

rit Guide" in training. To ful

quiet ceremonies that coaxed life back into the parched

Eagle, a sign the s

end lik

other child for this family? For E

hter around his still form in my arms, th

met Sa

uld, we swore an oath. I came here to honor that. I gave you my life, my spirit. I gave

s surprisin

its would not allow it. Your family cannot bear such unearned fortune o

Eagle is gone. The debt is paid. Th

n Tucson hummed t

assage for Kay, my voice a low murmur against the city's dist

lder, his eyes hollow, handed me a

s as

ice, Ella?" he asked, his voice rasp

to my chest. It was

ed to say goodbye in that way. My goodbyes were sung through th

ople. To the mountains. It is tim

ay's essence in thi

small bundle: Kay's first moccasins, a f

n have a place to remember h

em, his ha

ce shared, intending only to gather my few personal belong

and tinkling. His, a l

d the d

here Kay was conceived, where h

between her fingers. Kay's turquoise amulet, now reset into

These spirit stones... they say their power is enhanced if they're... c

witch? We have eighteen new charms Sophia's psychic made from 'blessed' ston

terrible!"

s memory, his very sp

biting into my palms. The

me standing there,

o shame. On

from Sophia, pulling the

den box. "What's that you're hugging now? More of your superstitiou