QORI AND AWKI HAD PUT up with the naming ceremony without too much fuss, allowing Tlessi to put water in their mouths, then smudge their foreheads with a burnt herb and finally declare them under the protection of the Moon and the Awá. Afterwards, amid the food and celebration in the early light of dawn, Aalyan had placed Awki in Mera’s arms, an act of bravery well-beyond his wildest dreams.
“He’s beautiful,” his friend had told him, rocking Awki gently, unbothered by the way his baby boy was nudging at her chest with clear intentions. He couldn’t be hungry, since Aalyan had made sure to feed them both before bringing them to the clearing for the ceremony—maybe he was okay with a lot more, but he drew the line about feeding them in front of others.
“He’s not hungry,” he felt the need to
