Chapter 17
Canada, Twenty-Eight Years Ago
For days, the family survived on bits of snow and what few pine nuts they managed to pry from fallen cones.
“Mommy, I’m hungry as a coyote,” the boy said, “and I’m cold. Why doesn’t Daddy build a fire?”
“I’m sorry. The wood is too wet. We’ll stay in our little cave where it’s warmer. Snuggle close and I’ll keep you toasty.”
The boy cuddled next to his mother. “Is Sheshebens flying in heaven with the angels?”
“Yes, he is.” …
Northern California, Present Time
“Aunt Maggie, don’t be mad at us, please,” Bird said.
“We got kinda lost, and we were tired and wanted to rest for a minute,” Flower said.
Maggie scooped both girls into her arms, sat on the dirt, and folded her coat around them. “Didn’t you hear us calling for you?” She held the child
