The night is cold; much colder than it has been for years prior. I had stuffed extra cloth between the cracks in the wall so the cold winter air would not seep through as much. Mother looked quite ill. She couldn't get up from the floor, I wrapped her in extra blankets and gave her some warm water.
James had gone out earlier that day to get more food for us, but he hadn't returned yet.
"Kennah," my mother says, weakly.
I instantly move to her side. "Yes, mama," I whisper.
"I am fading quickly," she tells me, her lips are blue from the cold.
"I can go out and find more fire logs," I say, desperately. "We can have an extra big fire tonight, so you can recover."
"Do you know how proud I am of you and James?" she says, her eyes finding mine.
"Mama, do no
