Winona's Tears

White Eagle reaches down. Winona’s arms are wrapped around his knees, and she is pleading for their mother. He scoops her up, and she snuggles in his arms, pressing her little face against his shoulder. Her big brother is now her father. He carries her to the other children crouching near the cooking pits. The utensils are washed, and the older children are putting them away. It is early evening, and stars are beginning to sparkle in the new night. The cool rain mists like crystal droplets in everyone’s hair. It drips from Winona’s cheeks, mixing with the warm teardrops that fall from her sightless amber eyes. White Eagle wipes her face with gentle hands.