excerpt
He inspected the fire pit and felt the warmth coming from the ashes. He took some wood and restarted the fire, then his small saucepan from his backpack, filled it halfway with water and half a handful of sage tea, and set it over the fire to boil. He wondered what to do with the dead wolf. He ate a piece of his bread along with a cup of the hot, boiling tea.
The sun had climbed to its height on the eastern horizon. George decided to bury the wolf and took his club and a piece of wood and placed them on each side of the dead animal. He covered the wolf’s body with stones and rocks, which he put on top of the wolf’s grave, making a small mound that completely covered the dead animal.
Upon finishing his rite, he stood momentarily and looked at the grave mount. His mind ran to the time when he let a handful of dirt fall over the casket of his grandfather. It was his farewell. And today he said
farewell to the dead wolf by placing the last stone over the burial site.
He felt good. He smiled. Before leaving, he put out the fire, gathered his things, put the backpack on his shoulders, and walked away with a smile still lighting his face.
Manolis Aligizakis 