sketches of women part 2

sketches of women part 2

fiction
edward w pritchard

the perfect runner

Many had objected to a woman making the run. The girl was 14 years old and had been chosen because she had perfect form and no one could challenge her in the tribe as a runner. She was the strongest runner. She shouldn't be doing this important task because a woman had never been welcome to lead the tribe for preparations of war. In the end however, she was chosen and she was running twenty two miles along the river toward the Southern village.

She carried only herbs, which it was hoped would make well the famous negotiator, and water for herself.

Her Father was disqualified as her coach for the run. He was not able to be objective, for he loved and worried about his daughter, and despite his duty and advice to treat her like a son he couldn't do it. The Grandfather was chosen to talk to her before the urgent run.

The Grandfather was respected and wore the multi- colored coat of honor from previous sacrifices for the tribe in warfare. The grandfather had his wife cut the sleeves of the coat, turning it into a light vest and gave it to the grand daughter to run with and wear the family colors a great honor for a woman.

When the girl, who was stretching accepted the vest from the grandfather, as he removed the shirt and stood in front of her she was amazed by the scars up and down his back and chest. He took both his hands and placed them on the girls forearms in the traditional sendoff to warriors to battle and she began to jog steadily toward the Southern lake village.
end

The handicapped girl

Joy through suffering. The girl was a student at the junior high and struggled to manipulate the crowded chaotic halls to get to class on time. She refused any special treatment and cheerfully endured her fate.
end