Chapter Eleven

Bindi woke up from na long sleep. The light was dim in the research hut, but Bindi was used to it. Only a few people slept in the research hut; Mali, Thema, Hokou, Hakea, and her. After that day at the pond, Bindi had moved in with Hakea.
Bindi got out of bed to wake Hakea up.
"Hakea." Bindi whispered. Hakea didn't stir.
"Hakea!" Bindi said a little louder. She pressed her ear against Hakea's chest. Nothing.
"Hakea, please don't do this to me." Bindi whispered. Hakea still didn't move. Bindi understood. She wiped her stray tears and went outside.
"Papa, Hakea's dead." She sobbed. Hiji's face fell and ran to the resarch hut. Bindi followed suit.
Hiji had his head on Hakea's stomach and cried like a baby. Bindi wasn't sure to pat his back or something.
"She would have liked you to know, Pa, that she loved you very much." Bindi said softly. That made Hiji cry harder.

The next day, Hakea Love was the first villager to be buried. Also crying were Thema, Atepa, Bindi, and Tamil. A large bouquet of flowers were placed on her grave.
"I'll keep our promise, Hakea." Bindi said. She felt the slightest breeze ruffle her hair.