Dear Val,
Things have been getting better since you left. We’ve got enough food to make it through the winter, and everyone’s been able to stay warm. Yesterday I had a meeting with all of the men of the village to figure out what to do over the winter and when the spring comes. Tomorrow, I’m going to meet with the women too, to see how they can help.
I’ve also been practicing the things you taught me every day. I can hit a target most of the time now, and I’ve practiced tracking in the valley, although nothin’ has come through. I’m going to get some more advice from Bick, one of the last hunters here, in spring, but I promise I’ll remember what you said.
Some of the older people are taking charge, but they let me talk with them and speak about plans, and I notice a lot of people asking me questions when a problem happens. Sometimes I don’t know the answer, and I feel bad, and sometimes stuff happens that’s sad or scary, and I feel like crying. When we had to bury the people who were dead, I was really sad, especially when they said Aurie and Goff’s names, but I remembered what you said, and I’ve been strong.
I hope this letter gets to you someday.
Evan
© Colin Sharpe 2017
