Weak in Body, Strong in Mind and Spirit
Chapter 1: Madu’s Surprise

I was sitting in my favorite peaceful place by the lake. I love it here. I could see Pinnacle Mountain off in the distance, and I enjoyed watching the wind make waves on the water. Even when there was no wind, I loved seeing the reflection of the trees on the far shore. How beautiful this place is.

“Madukarahat?”

“Oh, hi Kamela,” I answered as I turned to see my gorgeous mate.

“Why are you sitting here? The sun is almost over the mountain. It will be morning soon,” she replied.

“I’m just enjoying the peace and quiet that our Earth Mother has given us here in the lands of the Five Brothers.”

“It is certainly peaceful and quiet here, and beautiful,” said Kamela. “I can see why you enjoy this place.”

“This is where I come when I need to speak with Pamela,” I answered. “She and David are staying in Flori-duh. Sharing our thoughts in mindspeak is the only way she communicates with me now.”

“Pamela is a wonderful Little Person from what you and others say,” said Kamela. “I know you are very fond of her.”

“Yes. She is the first Little Person I knew. Well, her and Hole-In-Hair, David, her dimwitted mate.”

“Madu! You shouldn’t speak like that of David,” she responded tersely. “He must have some good qualities for Pamela to be with him.”

“Yes, I suppose, but for the life of me, I simply don’t see it,” I answered.

“Well, People say the same of you and me,” smiled Kamela.

“HA! I wonder too, why you accepted my offer to be my mate,” I said with a laugh.

“Oh Madu,” said Kamela with a chuckle, “I do love you. And I have news.”

“News? Of what?” I asked.

“Clackamas will be a grandfather,” she answered softly.

“My father? But...” I stammered. “Wait...”

“Yes. You are to be a father,” she said with much love in her voice.

“But... how?”

“Really Madu?” she scowled impishly.

“Well, I know how...” I stammered.

“This winter, the baby will come.”

“I need to build a better nest, one with a nursery!” I blurted.

“We have time for that,” she answered.

“Who else have you told?”

“No one else yet, only you,” replied Kamela. “We must tell our parents.”

“Yes, and soon.”

I motioned for Kamela to sit next to me. After hugging her long and lovingly, I motioned towards ducks across the lake.

“The baby ducks are ready to fly soon,” I said. “They grow so fast.”

“I wonder where they go in the winter?” pondered Kamela.

“I’m not sure. I should ask Pamela sometime,” I answered. “My Little Person Wizard knows everything.”

“Everything, Madu?”

“Everything I’ve asked, she’s answered,” I replied. “She’s incredibly smart.”

Kamela just shook her head.

I was excited, happy, and nervous all at the same time. Me, Madukarahat, a father? I wasn’t ready to be a father. I wonder if my own father could give me advice and counsel? We should visit Clackamas and Yolo tonight. I was too excited to sleep, and I stayed up all day.