Chapter 17: Chapter 17

The two women stare at each other for what seems to Naomi like hours. She can find no words to even begin asking questions. Instead, she says, “You’re hurt. We should clean that wound on your arm…”

This normal-sounding statement shakes Reeta into speech, “Oh, Naomi. I did not want you to find out this way. I’m so sorry.”

“Sorry? You’re hurt. You were trying to protect us.” Then Naomi realizes that this explanation does not begin to cover what just happened. She didn’t see this woman outside fighting, only two bears and three wolves. And no sane person would be outside fighting naked in the snow with no weapon.

Naomi feels confused and exhausted. She sits in silence while Reeta retrieves her clothes, goes into the kitchen, and returns with a rag tied around her bleeding arm.

“Naomi, my beautiful Winter Fox. There is something—something dreadful—that you now must know. I had hoped you would return to America with only pleasant memories of me, without knowing this—this thing.”