59
SIX
BRIDGE
Over the next two moons I learned to hide my anger, to let
it simmer beneath the surface without erupting. I began to
understand the teachers and their ways. I recognized some
of the words being used in their prayers. And I began to
understand what was being taught during lessons.
“Look at this!” I said, poking Moon Awake the first time
I recognized that the little stick marks on a page were
coming together to form the white word for dog. “I know it!
It is the word
dog
!” I practically screamed.
She rolled her eyes at me. “
Dog
. Such a small word. I can
read much bigger words than that.”
But I didn’t care. I was proud of myself.
