22
We, the rubber people with Tu Aapo as holy leader and Ian as adviser to read the future, plant maize, beans, squash, and peppers that grow tall and bountiful. The rains come as they should, and the sea is kind. As foretold to Ian in the vision, I bear Xia a son we name U-kix-chan when it is time for the naming ceremony.
Life goes on in the village as the seasons come and go. Our people rejoice in the coming of age rituals, births, naming ceremonies, and deaths. When it is her time, Bembe takes a husband, and U-kix-chan assumes his role as apprentice to my brother. Itzel and Ian have two more children and their home is always filled with many family members gossiping and helping prepare meals.
As our hair whitens and our steps slow, Xia and I enjoy Bembe’s children—two sons, and a dau
