Perceptions

"Why do I have to take him?"

"He doesn't have anyone else to go with. And because I said so."

"I don't even know if he speaks American. What if he tries to hit me with that machete Uncle Albin lets him carry around?" the boy said.

"You mean English. Yes, he does. And he's not going to hit you with anything. He just wants to go fishing. Your uncle and I think it would be good for both of you. You're the same age, you both like to fish and hunt. You have a lot in common."

Right. That kid, Adunya, had nothing in common with anyone. He didn't even wear shoes. The boy would probably have to teach him how to cast. At least Uncle Albin's pond had bluegill--anyone could catch a bluegill. If nothing else, the boy could tie on a sinker and drop a worm to the bottom. Adunya would only have to sit and wait for a catfish to suck it up.

That's what the boy would do. Throw a line out for him and let him wait. That way he could keep an eye on that machete. Hopefully, Adunya wouldn't bring it. Why would he need a machete for fishing anyway?

When they stopped outside of Uncle Albin's cabin, Adunya was crouched beside the graying shed whittling on a stick using a small folding knife. The boy recognized it as one of Uncle Albin's knives. When Adunya turned and saw the boy step away from the vehicle, he stood, holding a long spear-like stick with five sharp tips on the end. The boy thought they looked like gnarled skeleton fingers. Adunya almost raised the hand holding the knife and his lips turned up into half a smile.

The boy did not smile back.