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“Stop worrying. We’re going to be fine.” Only I know he won’t relax until we have been checked over in a hospital. “How difficult is the process of applying for a birth certificate?”
“I’ll see that it happens quickly.”
“Okay.” He seems to have contacts everywhere, yet something is bothering him as his expression has tightened, and he’s back to his closed thoughts and tight expression like he expects nothing but doom. “We’re going to be fine. I know it, so please relax.”
“I will tomorrow,” he says. “When you get your test results.”
Samuel’s concern remains with him the entire time I bathe and packed up my belongings. He has been like this since he returned last night after speaking with the chief and shaman. All he told me was they granted us leave, but the shaman thought it unnecessary as we aren’t unwell.
Packing the remainder of my belongings gives me a sense of déjà vu. Samuel insisted I bring everything in case I need it, yet it reminds me of my first time here, preparing to go home. I inhale a sharp breath and turn in a full circle, imprinting ourhomeinto my brain. I have to face the realization it might be one of the last times I stay here.
“I think that’s it,” Samuel announces as he places his sack on the bench. He lifts Rose from the twine basket where she’s swaddled in banana palms.
Kaikare appears at our doorway. “Oh, you’re here.” I take each step carefully, and then wrap my arms around her neck and lay my head on her shoulder. “Thank you for yesterday,” I whisper.
Samuel translates my words, and both her hands rest on my back. I take an extra second to feel my aunt’s love before I release her.
Kaikare sidesteps me when Samuel comes to my side. He leans and positions Rose in his arms for Kaikare to get a better view. A smile stretches his lips from almost ear to ear. Lifting a finger, she trails a path over her forehead and down her nose in one straight line. She whispers strange words as she does. Then she makes an invisible line from her temple to the opposite cheek and repeats it on the opposite side. It’s the Ularan’s symbol—an ‘X’ with a straight line through the center.
Was it a blessing?
Samuel lifts Rose and kisses her cheek. His gaze lifts and meets mine. There’s a sense of apprehension, and then he closes it down. “Ready?”
I nod and take Kaikare’s hand as we all meander the trail toward the river. We reach the sandy beach with no sign of Asoo.
“I’m going to miss you,” I say and hug her. “I’ll see you soon.”
Samuel translates my words.
She takes both of my hands and squeezes affectionately. Her dark eyes flick over my face. There’s a sense of sadness and appreciation. “Waküpe-küruman,” she whispers.Thank you.
I squeeze her hands back and nod my head. “Samuel, I need you to translate for me. Please tell Kaikare I’m grateful to have met her and forever thankful for all she has done for me. And our daughter will know how her aunt loves her.” I’m not counting on this being the very last time I’ll see her, but I have an overwhelming urge to express my gratitude and love.
We hold each other’s gaze while he does. Her eyes brim with tears, and then I can’t help it, a sob shoots from my throat. We hug each other again, and her warmth and love seep into my heart. She then releases me and steps to Samuel. She opens her arms, and Samuel hands Rose to her. Kaikare lifts Rose close to her face, and she rubs her nose over her cheek. The sweet moment only lasts seconds as the putt-putt sound of the motor divides our attention.
She hands Rose to him, and in seconds, disappears into the forest before Asoo steers the curiara onto the riverbank. If she’s more upset than she was displaying, I hope there’s someone in the village to comfort her. I wipe my eyes and steel myself for the journey ahead.
“My friends.” Asoo waves out to us. “I happy to see you.”
Both Samuel and Asoo assist me in boarding before Samuel steps in gracefully even with Rose in his arms.
Asoo leans closer to see our daughter while maintaining a respectful distance. “A beautiful girl,” he says. “I have your packages.” He points to the pack wrapped in plastic.
“Please pass it to Eden.” Samuel nods at me. “There are diapers and some clothes for Rose.”
I can’t help but frown. We haven’t even left the riverbank of Ulara, and he’s wanting to clothe Rose.
He catches my scowl and shakes his head. “She’s yet to pass her first stool. I don’t think Asoo would appreciate meconium covering the seat of his curiara.”
“Me-con-ee-um?” Asoo repeats.
“Poo,” Samuel translates. “It has no aroma, but it’s thick and sticky, a little like tar.”
Without further question, I take the pack and retrieve a nappy, or a diaper, as Samuel calls it.
“Please no tar on seats,” Asoo says as he steers us toward Canaima.
Samuel sits beside me in the cut-out area Asoo has created for me. He unwraps the banana palms swaddling Rose’s arms, and she gives herself a fright lifting her arms when she’s set free. Samuel has the nappy under her rear and secured in seconds. I’ve had experience with my nephew, but I’ve forgotten so much from when he was a newborn. I barely saw him until he was a few months old. Rose is so tiny, and neither Samuel nor I were prepared for her sudden entrance to the world.
