Searching

By Melanie Liden

Legend always said that it was a sign of prosperity for the tribe. The gods had truly smiled down on Red Bear and White Fawn. Twin girls born during the wolf moon. A great ceremony followed and Little Fawn and Morning Sun were showered with gifts. Twins this close to the harvest moon was a promise of a fruitful harvest and a sign that the winter would be mild. So great an event was this that Soaring Eagle, the Medicine Man, was called to welcome these new spirits to the family.

From the time of their birth it was obvious to Soaring Eagle that these to girls were twin spirits, they would continue to be blessed with many lives together. This news pleased their parents, knowing they would always have each other would make them stronger. Even as small children their bond was obvious to all who knew them. The family enjoyed watching these twin spirits grow together, such a strong bond was truly a blessing for all their people. A favorite story was of a rare occasion when they were separate, Little Fawn had been thrown from her horse. Morning Sun was attending to family duties and was suddenly struck with great pain, she lead the healers to her sister. As the girls grew to adult hood they became widely respected for their intuition and wisdom.

When it was time for them to marry it was decided that brothers from a friendly nearby tribe would be their husbands, ensuring they would stay together. Both women gave birth to healthy children, and grew to be wise old women. Unfortunately the day came when Little Fawn was called back to the gods. Morning Sun wept at her sisters sick bed, knowing they would finally be separated. Little Fawn took her sisters hand in hers, “do not weep for me sister, I will be waiting for you in the next life, I will find you. I feel what you feel, we will always know where the other is.” Little Fawn breathed in slowly, the act using all her strength, “I love you sister, we will always love each other, it is written in the heavens.” Little Fawn had spoken her last words. Morning Sun knew the moment she was gone, it was as if someone had torn away a piece of her being. Morning Sun wept over the body of her sister long after the sun had gone and the campfires were lit. Finally, deep into the night she was led away by her son.

For two cycles of the moon Morning Sun did nothing but weep and sing to her gods. At the 3rd full moon, the gods brought her forth to once again join her sister.

For many seasons people talked of the two women, they became the subject of legends. It was truly believed they were kissed by the gods. People spoke of they good medicine they brought their people, of the miracle of one feeling the others joy and pain. Even as the world grew around them their people spoke of the twins. Generations came and went, the white man came from the great oceans, but still the people waited for the twins to return as they had promised.

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excerpt 2

Andrew’s parents were becoming concerned about their young son. They could only hope that starting kindergarten would accomplish what preschool had not. Despite the many children his parents encouraged him to befriend, Andrew still preferred the “company” of his “invisible friend.” Sara, as Andrew always called her, had been with him since probably before he could say her name.

Even at such a young age Andrew knew his parents were bothered by something, he even knew it had something to do with Sara. He loved Sara. He couldn’t just tell her to go away forever. Andrew could sit for hours and listen to the stories Sara would tell him. Sara’s stories were always exciting, they were always things Andrew enjoyed hearing about. Whether she spoke of Indians, war heroes, or swordfighters, she always sounded as if she had been there herself.

It was late summer, when Andrew thought his little world was about to fall apart. He replayed the conversation over and over in his head. “It’s time for me to leave you for awhile Andrew,” Sara told him.

Andrew didn’t believe her at first, “you can’t leave me Sara, you promised you would never leave.”

“I know I promised, and that is true, part of me will always be with you. Remember I told you that one day I would get to be a baby again.” Andrew nodded his head, tears beginning to form in his eyes. “That’s what is going to happen.”

“But why can’t you be my sister?” Andrew wiped the tears from his face with his sleeve.

“That is not what is meant to be, this time,” Andrew looked confused at this statement. Sara knew it was best not to explain. “Someday you will understand. I promise you this Andrew, I will find you again, you may not remember me, but I will find you.”

“I will never forget you, Sara,” Andrew hugged Sara as she began to fade away.

“I know, good-bye“ she waved as she disappeared.

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At 4:00 that afternoon, Serena Lofton was born to Renee and Larry Lofton in Chicago, Illinois. A healthy baby girl who, from almost the moment she was born, seemed wiser than her parents.