Chapter Nineteen

The natives were up at the break of dawn, with the anxious hope to have their clean-up begin and end early. Atohmma could hear from within her cave, talking, shifting, dragging, washing, sweeping, and a little laughter in between. She woke up a bit tired but she had to get her cleaning done and help others as well. She checked the time, stretched, and yawned just to make up her mind about being awake.

She tidied herself, changed, rolled her hair up, and hurried out the door. She needed to go check on the ponies before she could do anything else. She ran all the way to the stables. When she arrived there, she saw all of them out on the fields whilst the caretakers were washing out the stables. The weather seemed favorable to allow some cleaning and mending. Atohmma went across to the field to see her pet pony. She ran toward Atohmma. "Are you okay, I was worried about you," said Atohmma stooping down, while she rubbed her cheek against the pony's head, passed her hand along its back, and playfully tickled under its neck. Her pony looked over at the others as if to indicate to Atohmma she was safe with the others all this time. Atohmma looked at the others and said "of course, you are okay, you were all led to the cave before anyone else huh!" The pony wagged her tail as confirmation. Atohmma stood up and looked over at the stables to see if they had everything under control. So it seemed, then she said to her pony "I'll let you go back now, I have a lot of work and cleaning up to do. I will see you tomorrow." With that said, she kissed her pony and ran back to the village. She said hello to the other natives as she passed them busy with chores. As she entered her cave, she saw Nucamma was already there pushing around stuff and lifting. She said "Well, you are up early and I would have thought you had your share of work to do too. How are you? It's good to see you and I do appreciate the help." Smiling and with his hands on his hips, Nucamma replied, "I thought you could do with a hand, so I came over here to help you out first before I get to doing mine." "Now that's thoughtful," Atohmma responded, as she grabbed a washcloth and broom. "We better get on with it then. It's good to see you," said Nucamma. Atohmma smiled and said, "Might I offer you breakfast first!" "Maybe after we make some sense of this place, we can both sit comfortably and have tea," said Nucamma. "I agree," said Atohmma, and they both continued with their cleaning. They washed down, placed some items outside to air dry, wiped, scrubbed, and mopped. Most of the natives were helping each other and doing almost the same thing.

Although there remained quite a bit of puddle and settled water in the village, most of the heavy cleaning within and outside of the caves was completed by late afternoon.

Everyone was exhausted. Atohmma, having the help she needed, managed to cook a broth for all. She shared with all the villagers and it was enough. They all indulged themselves because they had no time and convenience to prepare a wholesome meal. They were grateful to Atohmma and Nucamma. Orgamma was nowhere near completing his chores, as he was out helping others. Venomma managed to complete hers with the help of another native. Ultimately, the helpers needed alternate help themselves. They had no choice but to leave that for the morrow. Atohmma offered Nucamma return help and decided she would go to his village, but he told her it wasn't necessary as he had his family, who probably took care of it all. They both sat down and had their broth instead of tea as it was already way past lunchtime. "I should go visit the unicorns, later on, to see how they are doing," she told Nucamma. "We can fly over there tonight if you prefer" he replied. "Good idea then," she said.

After taking a rest a little while, chatting, and having a snack, Atohmma and Nucamma went walking through the village, casually, when they noticed an old lady sitting on a log. She seemed to be without anything to do, lonely and sad. They enquired, to see what was going on with her when she told them, she lived near the lake, in a secret tunnel, but the water did not yet subside there, so she came to the village where she knew she would remain dry and safe. It seemed like she planned on sitting there until she thought the water might have subsided. She was out of everyone's way and not a bother, but Atohmma was concerned. She offered the old lady to come to her cave, tidy, and have something to eat. They walked back to Atohmma's, where the old lady had a bath, she was given dry clothes and a bowl of broth. Atohmma also spared her a blanket, which she draped over her shoulders. "I never knew there was a hidden tunnel by the lake," said Atohmma curiously. "Me neither," added Nucamma. "There is, many years it's been surrounded by trees and vines, so it's hard to see it. Everyone passes it when they go to the lake. I see you there sometimes and others. I just keep to myself as I have been alone all these years." said the old lady. "Oh my!" exclaimed Nucamma "How do you survive on your own there? You must be so lonely." Atohmma remarked as she made her way to the kitchen to get her a cup of water. "It's lonely sometimes but, I spend my day in the other village, where I weave mats and blankets. " So you are the secret weaver lady?" She shook her head saying, "yes, I believe I am!" Atohmma thought that she must be the lady who gave Venomma her blanket as a gift years ago.

After much chatting, it was time for Nucamma and Atohmma to visit the unicorns at the pastureland. Atohmma offered the old lady to stay there with her for a couple of days until the waters subside at her home. They mentioned having to go out a bit and that they will be back soon. The old lady didn't seem to mind and she enjoyed the broth. She remained at Atohmma's, made herself comfortable, and took a nap.

When Nucamma and Atohmma arrived at the pasture lands, they were astonished. The unicorns were nowhere to be seen. "They probably haven't returned yet from wherever they went to for safety," suggested Atohmma. "Maybe, you know unicorns, they are strange creatures," replied Nucamma. "I think they may have disappeared," said Atohmma as she scanned the area fluttering. "Well, wherever they are, they can take care of themselves. Let's head back to the village. They both flew back and went straight to Atohmma's cave, where they saw the old lady, was fast asleep.