Solstice Moon by Charley Marsh

Author:Charley Marsh [Marsh, Charley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Timberdoodle Press

13

After the emotional talk with her father Sydney returned to Medicine Woman’s tepee filled with self-loathing. She joined Medicine Woman by the fire and held her hands close to the flames to warm them, avoiding the elder woman’s piercing gaze.

From the corner of her eye she saw Medicine Woman study her in the firelight. She lowered her face, trying to hide the guilt she knew was written there for the healer to clearly read.

“Heartache can kill as surely as disease or injury, Sydney. I can see that you carry a heavy burden. Someday you must let others help you ease the load.”

Sydney nodded, unable to look up, afraid the compassion she would find in the other woman’s eyes would loosen her tongue. After several minutes she took a deep breath and raised her face. She looked into Medicine Woman’s wise eyes and realized she didn’t need to tell her, the healer saw everything.

Medicine Woman studied Sydney’s face, then gave a curt nod, as if she had made up her mind about something.

“You are an extraordinary young woman, Sydney. In the old days you would have a husband and family by now, but times are different. I have been waiting for an apprentice for several years. The usual way is to find a woman who has finished raising her family and is therefore free to devote herself to the village, but that has all changed. The upheaval has destroyed our way of life, yet the people still need a healer. If you are interested I would be honored to teach you the healing ways.”

Sydney’s face flushed with surprise and pleasure. “I am honored that you find me worthy of such a great responsibility. Thank you, yes! I would love to learn how to heal people.” Even as she said the words she realized how right they felt. Perhaps in some small way healing others would help atone for letting her sister die.

Sydney had always assumed that she would follow in her father’s footsteps and become a biologist, maybe even work for the Fish and Wildlife Service. To that end she had studied botany and animal science in school.

After the world changed that dream died and all her energy became focused on surviving. She hadn’t been able to think of anything beyond staying alive one more day, and she had not dared to dream about her future.

For the first time since the upheaval, Sydney felt as if she had been given the opportunity to build a future beyond mere survival, a future that would give her life purpose and bring her personal satisfaction. A future that would give her a role she could be proud of in the new world.

That was reason enough to accept Medicine Woman’s offer, but Sydney also owed the old healer her life. She felt obligated to give back to her savior, and training to help and someday replace Medicine Woman was the best way she could repay her.

“I can’t wait to begin,” Sydney said with a small smile.

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