Marge Shrudi removed The Apple pies from The oven to cool. She always made more pan-fried apple filling than pies. She put Them in 2 containers, one for The fridge & one for her. She grabbed a couple of spoons and decided to sit by The stream. The Akira stream started a few miles away at Mount Fuji and ranon for a few miles more to Lake Niitake. Here at The Trumbull homestead it ran through a nice, shady grove of trees. It was a mild day, 22 degrees Centigrade, courtesy of Mother who promised an entertaining thunderstorm in 3 days.
Nicholas Walk-like-The-wind was sitting on a rock called “The Stone Throne”, dipping his feet in The cool water. Nick was a new addition to Their family, endorsed by Trumbull a month ago. He said he was a Cherokee & his long dark hair, dark eyes, pronounced cheekbones & tan made him look like a Cherokee warrior. In a floral Hawai’in shirt and shorts. Marge sat next to him, popped a lid & offered him a spoon. They both ate apple pie apples silently. Then she asked, “Do you hear voices of ancient chiefs in The water?”
Nick smiles and said, “No, I just like The sound of running water. my ancestor’s opinions would not improve on it.”
Marge asked, “Do The Gods whisper in The trees when The wind blows?” Nick said, “If They do, I am not privy to Their conversation.”
Marge said, “You don’t sound like a Cherokee much.” Nick said, “What should a Cherokee sound like?” Marge, a little flustered, said, “Well, like Wes Studi, for starters.” Nick said, “I’m glad you didn’t say Tonto,, Kemo Sabe. Jay Silverheels was a Canadian Mohawk but his real name was Harold Smith. I liked Wes, and yes, he was Cherokee, but honestly? I’m way sexier.” Marge rolled her eyes and said, “You’re awfully talkative for a Cherokee. Aren’t Cherokee Warriors supposed to be stealthy? I could hear your flip-flops from inside the kitchen!” Nick said, “You’re The one doing all The talking, compared to you I’m just one of those trees whispering in The wind. You watch too many videos, you have pre-conceived notions about me.”
Marge asked, “Well, as long as we’re talking about it, how are you a Cherokee, Nicholas Walk-like-The-wind?” Nick answered, “By birth & by blood, I am Cherokee. My legacy, my ancestors are a fact carved in stone, who They were I am now, but The future will determine who I become.”
Marge decided he’ll make a fine addition to The family. They ate more apples in silence. Marge asked, “What are you thinking about?”
Nick said, “I’m thinking of 2 things… first, I am very worried about Gilead conquering its neighbors.” Marge said, “Everybody’s worried about Gilead, but not everybody has a plan. Do you have a plan, Nicholas Walk-like-the-Wind?” Nick said, “Working on it.”
Marge asked, ‘What’s The second thing?”. Nick said, “I’m wondering what your Apple pie will taste like.”
Marge said, “You’ll find out soon enough.”
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