Unhooking the Moon by Gregory Hughes Page A

just his big meals. Something simple like his oven-baked oatmeal raisin cookies could brighten the day. And whenever I was feeling down he would make me a special sandwich, and straight away I felt better. And that was another speciality: making you feel better.’
    The Rat continued until the cookery book of Dad’s life was complete and then she finished with an Amen.
    â€˜Well done, Marie Claire,’ said Harold.
    The Rat looked pleased with herself. ‘Would you like to say something, Bob?’
    I shook my head. I just couldn’t. She dropped a Purple Cone Flower into the grave and we began to fill it in. It felt strange burying my father on that sunny afternoon. He’d cooked us breakfast that very morning and now he was dead. Tears blurred my vision as I shovelled the soil over him. I couldn’t believe I wouldn’t see him again, but the grave was soon filled in. The Rat pushed the crucifix into the ground and we wandered away. It was over, just like that.
    â€˜Give me your arm, Bobby,’ said Mary White Cloud.
    I put my arm through hers and escorted her back to the house.
    â€˜We all have to leave this earth someday. I know you are very sad, but you will see him again when it’s your turn.’
    â€˜But I’m also worried about what will happen now, Mary. Little Rat said they’d put us in a home. She couldn’t handle being put in a home. She’s crazy and they’d try to make her normal.’
    â€˜She only appears crazy because she does not behave like others.’
    â€˜But she says strange things, Mary. She said Dad was going to die and it came true! And she says other things that come true.’
    â€˜We can all see the future from time to time. But the truth is that Marie Claire is a very special child. She’s received a great gift from the Great Spirit. But even if she wasn’t gifted she is still a precious being and you should guard her with your life.’
    I looked at the Rat who walked on ahead of us. She was talking to Harold about the play. ‘She’s not even bothered that he’s dead!’
    Mary stopped me. ‘That’s not true, Bobby. Of course she’s bothered! But with her insight she can see that death is only the beginning. And so she’s happy for him. And if you could see what she sees, you would be happy for him too.’
    But I couldn’t see what she sees and I might not believe it if I did. Because even though I pray sometimes, and I try to believe in God, I’m not sure if I do. And I found it so hard to believe in an afterlife. It just didn’t seem real. People floating around on clouds and being happy for eternity. It was like believing in fairies and Father Christmas. It would be nice if it were true but I doubt it was.
    When we got back to the house Running Elk and the Rat served us coffee, sandwiches, and the last apple pie that Dad ever made. And for the first time they seemed to get along. And I was glad Mary and the chief were there. It’s good to have your friends around you when something like this happens. And they were wise. It’s good to have wise friends.
    Later we made our way on to the porch and watched the sunset.
    â€˜It was a nice service, Bob,’ said Harold sitting down next to the Rat. ‘And I’m sure he’s in a better place.’
    â€˜Thanks, Harold.’
    â€˜If anyone’s going to a better place it’s your father,’ said Running Elk. ‘He was a good man. I liked him a lot.’
    The Rat looked at Running Elk. ‘You liked our dad?’
    Running Elk rolled her eyes. ‘And you’re supposed to be gifted.’
    It was even nice to have Running Elk there. She was never friendly but I felt she was a true friend. And I was sure that one day her and the Rat would be the best of friends. One day.
    When it was dark the chief built a blazing fire. Bringing out some chairs, we sat around it. Then, in the voice of a