Oukonunaka Short Story

Oukonunaka could see the sun peeking in from the small hole in the ceiling of his hut. He hurried out of his bed to meet his father, mother, and sister for breakfast. They had some flat bread left from the night before, so that is what they ate. Oukonunaka ate quickly so he could get ready and hopefully go on a hunt with his dad and the other men. He had been hunting before, but only for small game like hogs or turkey. Today he was hoping to kill his first deer.

Oukonunaka gathered his father's and his own bow and arrow. He felt the smooth wood between his fingers. His father's bow was carved from a sacred tree. It had carvings of Kanati, “The Lucky Hunter”. It was specially made by the village craftsman. Oukonunaka made his own bow using some

twigs he found on the ground. It was rough and usually gave him splinters, but he loved it because he made it. He rushed outside to wait for his father. Outside he spotted his best friend Adahy and decided to go say hello. “Hi Adahy!”
“Hello! How are you?”
“Good, and you?”
“I’m -”
“I have to go!” Oukonunaka exclaimed urgently as he saw his father out of the corner of his eye.
“All right?” Said Adahy confused why Oukonunaka had left in such a hurry.
“I’ll see you later!” Shouted Oukonunaka as he dashed over to his father.
“Hello father,” Oukonunaka said respectfully.
“Greetings Oukonunaka,” said Oukonunaka’s father picking up his bow, “Why have you brought your own bow?”
“I was hoping that I could go on the hunt with you today.” said Oukonunaka anxiously.
“We have talked about this before,” said Oukonunaka’s father, “You need to stay and help your mother with the farming. We will be back by sunset.” Oukonunaka sulked back to his dwelling.
“Maybe next time,” he thought.
* * *
At dinner that night, as The sun was saying its final goodbye to the fading day, Oukonunaka wondered where the men were. He couldn’t stop thinking about them. “Where are they?” Oukonunaka asked his mother.
“They will be back soon,” Oukonunaka’s mother replied.

The men didn’t come back that night, or even the next few days. After a couple days with the men still gone, Oukonunaka decided he needed to go after them. He waited until his whole family was asleep, packed some stale cornbread and his handmade bow, and he was off into the woods. As he entered the woods, the light from the moon created shadows that danced across his face. The autumn leaves were a golden blanket covering the forest floor. They crunched under his moccasins. He knew the forest like the back of his hand, and he knew exactly the spot where the men would be hunting. On his way he passed the () River. The water sparkled like a diamond in the moonlight.

When he found the hunting spot, he was surprised to find nothing there. After a closer look Oukonunaka noticed his father’s bow. This couldn’t be good. He grabbed the bow in order to inspect it, but before he could, he heard a cacophonous roar from the other side of the forest. Then it came again, closer this time. The roars continued until Oukonunaka knew that whatever the creature was, was coming after him. He grabbed his father’s bow and ran. He ran in no specific direction. He just ran until he couldn’t anymore. Feeling drained, Oukonunaka

collapsed.
* * *
When Oukonunaka awoke, his sister and mother were standing over him. He was back at his home. “Oukonunaka!” they both exclaimed.
“Where is Father?” Oukonunaka asked urgently.
“Don’t worry,” said Oukonunaka’s dad, “I’m here.” A wave of relief fell over Oukonunaka.
“How did you get back?” asked Oukonunaka, “I couldn’t find you!”
“We were lost and wandering around the forest until we stumbled across you. We were able to find and follow your tracks to get home. You were very brave Oukonunaka. I think that you should have this.” He gave Oukonunaka his bow. Oukonunaka was honored and couldn’t wait to hunt with it.