I know the word “hunt.” I know what she asks…and I hate to see the disappointment on her face. I will be gone all day again and she will have to do all the hard work on her own. It is not easy for her when I bring the meat back to the beach. I realize that now. It creates more work for her and to do it alone is…a lot.
And suddenly, I do not want to leave my mate behind. Har-loh is smart. If she cannot hunt, she can stay back at a distance and help me carry things. She can gather plants and fuel for the fire. When we return, we can work on the meat and the hides together. All of it can be done by one, but it goes faster with help. I am still thinking like I am alone, and I should not be. Har-loh wants to be at my side, and I want to be at hers.
So I nod. "Rukh hunt." I hold my hand out to her. "Har-loh hunt? Togeddur?"
A brilliant smile blooms across her face, and it is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
"Togeddur," she agrees.
I am pleased. Everything is better together.