The next morning, Lillian decided it was time to follow through on something she’d promised herself. She got out the worn piece of paper with her prayer written on it to help her remember. Standing by her bed, she smoothed the paper and began, her voice quiet but steady.

“K Mishomis… this boy thing has my head a little messed up, and with Chloe and Grace coming, I’m gonna need some help from you.” She glanced at the paper again and recited the prayer:

Kichimìgwech Kichi-manido minwà nigoding.

Gì wàmdamàng kìzhap kizis gì binàbid.

Kichi-mìgwech gì mìzhyàng iw sa Bimàdziwin.

Kichi-mìgwech gì mìzhyàng Nigigòg

Wìdòkwishnàng dji namàyàng

gwayak Jibmoseyàng.

Kichi-Mìgwech Kichi-manido kinagego.

Then Lillian checked the translation scrawled beneath the prayer to make sure she had it right:

Thank you, Creator,

For letting us see the morning sun once again.

Thank you for the gift of life.

Thank you for the parents you have given us.

Guide us to walk the good path.

Thank you, Creator, for all things.

She nodded, satisfied. “Yup, I think that’s right. Or almost right, anyway.” Folding the paper carefully, she added with a grin, “K, Creator, that’s probably it for the week. You know what I’m like. But I will say miigwech every day in my head and heart—maybe not out loud, though… K, see ya! Gotta get ready for school.”

She placed the paper carefully on her desk and ran down the hall. After getting dressed, she made her usual stop at the front window to check for the boy. Sure enough, there he was, glaring at her through the glass with a sneer plastered across his face. His eyes were sharp and angry, and for the life of her, she couldn’t figure out why. She didn’t even know who he was!

Frustration bubbled up in her chest. She knew it wasn’t the most mature reaction, but she stuck her tongue out at him and gave him her best stink eye. To her surprise, the boy looked momentarily confused before flipping her the finger—again—and riding off down the road.

“Where does a spirit even go on a bike?” she muttered. “How rude.” She turned away from the window, shaking her head.

Good thing Auntie or Kokum didn’t see that, she thought. They’d have plenty to say to him if they had. Probably best not to mention it.