The Clay Sustains by Sharon K. Miller

Author:Sharon K. Miller [Miller, Sharon K]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Cultural Heritage, Historical Fiction
Publisher: Buckskin Books via Indie Author Project
Published: 2017-09-29T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22

Deer Mating Moon 1159 (February)

HA-WANI SAT CROSS-LEGGED ON THE floor holding her sister’s baby atop her enlarged belly while Li-naä adjusted Ra-naä’s sling.

She wrapped the length of cotton around the young mother’s waist and crossed the ends over her shoulders. “Once you have it in place, reach behind and pull one end down through the band at your waist and tie the ends together.” Again, she demonstrated. “With the baby nursing in the sling, you’ll have both hands free.”

Ha-wani wondered how many more times her mother-in-law would need to show Ra-naä how to bind the baby to her breast. Every time the new mother tried, she gave up in frustration and complained it was too much work. She’d pass the child off to Ha-wani or Wokkai or her mother-in-law and leave the dwelling, often not coming back until someone went looking for her because the baby was hungry. Now, in the child’s curious eyes, Ha-wani recognized the strength of her spirit, even though she was still exploring the world in search of a guide. Fire-Keeper knew. You will need that strong spirit, little one.

With the sling in place, Ra-naä slid the infant in and helped her latch on to a nipple. She glanced at Ha-wani. “Your turn is coming—and, no doubt, soon.”

Ha-wani resented Ra-naä’s inference that having a child was a bad thing, but she chose not to reply in kind. “I think so. He is active. Last night, I was resting my belly on Tonrai’s side, and he kicked so hard, Tonrai jumped.”

“You’re still convinced you’ll have a son?”

“I am. Like your daughter, my son is strong.”

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.