Page 32 of Mika's Heart

Atka

After lunch, my dad asks me to walk down to the river with him to check on the family’s fish wheel.

It’s a giant wheel-like structure that is powered by the river and scoops up fish as they swim by.

The fish slide down into a catchment area that will keep them alive until they are scooped out and taken to the processing area, and then hung up in the large smokehouse.

The fish caught this season will help to find the entire village through the long winter ahead.

I stand on the shore as he steps out onto the wheel, checking to be sure it’s still working correctly.

“Should have a good catch this season.”

He says as the wheel turns and we watch several fish slide into the catchment.

“It looks like a few of the boards will need to be replaced next year.” I point out and he shakes his head.

“You can’t be serious about this girl.” He states all of a sudden.

“Of course I can.” I look back at him, raising a brow.

“Why must you boys buck tradition? You should be married to a girl from the tribe. Someone who will teach your children the ways of our people. The way your mother taught you. This girl knows nothing of our ways.” He growls, turning back towards the village.

“She can learn. Besides, I am a lawyer now. I’ll always be in the city other than little vacations here or there. I can’t be a lawyer way out here worrying about fish wheels and trapping seasons.” I say to his retreating back but he doesn’t slow down.

I hang back as he goes, preferring to not argue with him any further.

I did expect him to say more than he did so maybe there’s still hope of him accepting Mika as much as Mom seems to have done.

“Atka! I’ve been looking for you everywhere.” I hear a voice.

Turning in that direction, I see a woman I know well walking towards me through the trees.

“Hello Catori. How have you been?” I ask politely.

“I’ve been okay. Been helping train some of the new dog teams.”

She smiles, coming to a stop right next to me and wrapping her arm around mine.

I’m uncomfortable with her so close but I don’t pull away as I don’t want to seem rude.

“Everyone has missed you around here.”

She looks up into my eyes, pushing her breasts further into my chest.

“I’ve missed everyone as well. We should get back to the village. I’ll need to leave soon.”

I try to steer her back in the direction of the village.

I know that she has always harbored hope that we would be married one day but my heart has never felt anything for her more than as a friend.

Having her as a wife would definitely appease my family but it would not appease me.

Don’t I deserve to have a woman that my heart wants to belong to?

Hearing footsteps, my head swings in that direction and I’m struck by the surprised expression looking back at me.

Mika doesn’t say anything before turning back around and walking away quickly.

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