Ready When You Are

by Gary Lonesborough

I feel all awkward now. I feel like I might have looked at him differently for that moment I held his arm. I think he might have seen how I looked at him.

Tomas sketches on a blank page in his book, next to my drawing of the Doolagah. I think he scares me, Tomas. Maybe more than the thought of a Doolagah. Maybe in a different way.

“All right,” I say, but my voice quivers. “But can I still be connected? If I’m … you know?” “There’s nothing that can keep you from your culture, if you truly want it,” Uncle Charlie whispers.