3.24. In the same pirogue

It seemed after Suletu and Okomi punishment everything slowly calmed down and a life in the tribal camp flowed on the own way, but Kotori didn't feel good seeing Okomi spending more and more time with Maat. And not only Okomi. Somehow all tribal men buzzed like flies about his mate. Even his brother Tahatan. Kotori felt that something is going wrong, but didn't have anyone he could vent his uneasiness. In the past, he would be talking to Wenona, but after their last conversation, when she told him that it does't matter what he thinks, Kotori had no desire to talk to his twin sister. And what would he say her? That he fears to lose his beloved? No, he will not do that. He is Kotori Blessing Moon, he is strong and sturdy in his spirit and what has to be the Blessing Moon tribe's son and if everything will be really bad, he will find a way to solve his problems. But each time he kissed Maat he felt that she is distant and the fear that she leaves him chewed Kotori more and more.

And when one morning he woke up and didn't find Maat near him the anxiety and bad feeling bounded him so strong that he almost couldn't breathe. "Probably Maat went with Chatan to the river to wash," - he calmed himself. - Or she's breastfeeding Tama..."But somehow the legs brought him out from the tent themselves and the anxiety drove him to seek Maat. However, he found his son together with Sihu.

- Haven't you seen your mom? - he asked his son.

- No... - the boy shook his head. - Is something happened to mommy?

- No... I think she's okay, - Kotori smiled and went away leaving a surprised boy.

- My dad acts weird... - Chatan said watching his father.

- All adults are weird, - Sihu chuckled. - Don't worry, Chatan, I am sure nothing wrong didn't happen to your mom.

Kotori didn't hear his son's words... He even hardly heard his brother Tahatan, when he stopped him and started talk about the upcoming hunt. Tahatan didn't see what he just saw. Maat and Okomi just came out from the tent. Kotori pretended that he didn't notice it although his heart broke in thousand pieces in jealousy and resentment.

He didn't want to believe in that... It could be that his Maat, his red flower...? Kotori clenched his fists silently. He was ready to kill Okomi right now, but it wouldn't be wise. Maybe he'll wait for the hunt. 

***

- Where were you, red flower? I was looking for you... - Kotori asked Maat when he found her near shower cabin. He felt how his voice trembled in anger, but he immediately restrained himself. He didn't want that Maat would get he's seen her and Okomi together.

- Did you miss me, my hawk? - Maat chuckled playfully.

- I always miss you, - Kotori smiled and swallowed. - But you didn't answer me...

- I was to look how our little girl is doing, - Maat answered.

"Why are you lying to me, Maat?" - Kotori thought, but he didn't say anything, just pulled Maat in the kiss.

*** 

Suletu felt totally down when she saw Okomi and Maat coming out from the tent. All her fears came true. She was a shadow. Maat was more interesting than she is, and probably much more experienced in all things. She wanted to hate Maat, but couldn't because Maat was good. She couldn't hate Okomi, too, because she loved him. But she had a lot of anger inside and she wanted to tear out Maat's eyes as she took her Okomi. Are all of them weren't enough her pain and loneliness? However, the answer wasn't. There was anyone and who could comfort her. Suletu just quietly counted the stayed days to her Birthday and waited for her son will grow up. Then she will come out. Anywhere.

- So what? Were we both left on the ice? - Suletu even quailed when suddenly she hear Kotori's voice. He was ironic as always.

- What are you talking about? - Suletu still didn't want to give herself away.

- Come on, girl! - Okomi laughed. - You are poor pretender! Just look at your face...

- And don't you want to look at yourself, Kotori? - Suletu retorded. - You have more needles than a hedgehog! 

Kotori chuckled and already wanted to say something the girl, but then he heard the voices of Chatan and Maat. He didn't want to give himself away like Suletu. 

- So? - Suletu asked him angrily with a silent voice. - Do you want still mock at me? 

Kotori didn't answer. There's nothing to say. Now he and Suletu sat in the same pirogue.