Necoyuk: A Short Story

Amlliq (um-sh-k) roused in his sleep from whimpering. Jumping up, startled, I quickly ran to him. He arose when I came, and began to cry softly. Anxiously, I lifted him up. He didn’t seem chilled, nor feverous. Deciding it was just a nightmare, I set him down in his bed. I kissed him on the forehead, and told him I loved him. Standing up, I saw as Amlliq immediately reached his hands up to me, and pouted. I chuckled softly. A mother’s boy. Rocking him back and forth outside, I sang to him whilst the sun came up. The sunrise made him curious. Finally, the crying stopped. Just laughing and smiling. Ankana, wobbling, stumbled out of her room groggily. Then came Nuwashuk, my husband, not far behind. After came Necoyuk, my …show more content…
Necoyuk lingered by me, for he knew what would happen next month. When a baby boy is born, he stays with the mom until the age of five, and then lives in the men’s communal house. It is how we have always been. Necoyuk would turn five next month, and he wanted to stay with me. As I said, a mother’s boy. Of course, I want him to stay with me, but that is not how we work. Traditions must be upheld.

All the things were gathered for Newashuk on his dogsled: His kayak, bow and arrows, his harpoon,spear, and bolas. (bolas are kind of like a net with rocks imbedded into it) I tried to give him my uluaq. He just claimed it was a woman’s tool, he would be fine. My uluaq is a fan-shaped knife that I use for many things. It is a tool that many consider only for a woman. Evidently Newashuk thought that too. I sighed, and pecked him on the cheek. As I hugged him, I said “You stay safe, my love. Bring us back some food. I love you. May the good shamans guide you with your amulet.” “I love you more. I will be fine, as always. Don’t worry. I’ll be back soon.” he