Valiente

The maroon suburban turned the corner of Sudderth Road and pulled into the Ruidoso grocery store and parked.

“Since we traveled all day, I thought we would keep it simple tonight and just order some pizza for dinner,” said Mrs. Hamilton as she turned around and looked at the three boys.

“Yeah mom. That sounds good,” said Harry.

“Is there anything in particular that we should get for groceries. Remember we will be here for a couple of days.”

“I just want to be sure that we get breakfast stuff,” said Henry. “You know eggs, bacon, biscuits and stuff like that.”

“Of course sweetie,” said Mrs. Hamilton and she smiled at Chente.

The entire family got off the vehicle. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton entered the grocery store while the three boys hit the street to explore the different touristy shops.

Henry and Harry immediately gravitated to a sports shop that was advertising a sale on ski attire, while Chente went two doors down and entered a spiritual Native American Store full of dream catchers, mystical candles, rain sticks and other Native American relics.

As he entered the store, Chente said hello to an old eccentric Native American woman standing at the counter by the register. She was dressed in a bright purple Native American dress with a dazzling multicolored sash around the waist. Hey shiny silver hair was parted neatly down the middle of her head and pulled tightly to both sides and her braids were intertwined with colorful beads. She looked picturesque.

The old lady’s gray eyes followed Chente as he passed by. She gave him a stern look and took a few steps back. She watched him closely as he maneuvered his way down the different aisles.

Chente felt her icy reception and cautiously navigated through the store. He meandered through the Native American folklore section and stopped when he came to an aisle full of dream catchers. He carefully examined a couple of them closely in the light.

Chente was mesmerized by all of the different color of beads and the lengths of the fluffy feathers that were gently attached to the webbed circular ring. He enjoyed how they glistened in the light.

“Can I help?” asked the old Native American lady.

Chente jumped and accidentally dropped the dream catchers he was holding in his hand. He quickly picked them up off the floor and apologized.

“I am so sorry,” said Chente with a nervous chuckle. “It’s just that you startled me.”

The old lady just stood there and studied Chente from head to feet. She was holding a sage incense stick in her hand and with a white feather she delicately waved some smoke in Chente’s face.

Chente retreated a few steps back and began to cough.

She slowly circled Chente with the incense and mumbled words that Chente didn’t comprehend. She had a concerned brow as she set the incense stick on the counter next to the moccasins. The old lady reached over and cupped Chente’s hand in between hers and closed her eyes. Her hands began to tremble.

“What are you doing?” whispered Chente as his eyes frantically searched for an escape route out of the store.

The old Native American lady gradually opened her eyes and examined Chente’s pale face. She peered into his brown eyes and searched his soul for answers. She paused and rubbed her forehead.

“My son, death all around you.”

Chente was hypnotized by fear as he examined her light-gray eyes and the multiple wrinkles on the old lady’s face.

Chente slowly shook his head in confusion. “I don’t know what you mean. I don’t understand.”

Old lady cupped both of his cheeks with her wrinkled hands and began to shake uncontrollably.

“Angel of death follow you.”

Chente violently pulled away from the old lady. He was frightened. He quickly turned to walk away and ran into Henry.

“Chen? What’s the matter with you?”

Chente pushed Henry out his way and ran out the store. He hurried down the street with a million thoughts racing through his head. He recklessly turned around a couple of times to make sure that the old lady wasn’t following him.

He reached the safety of the maroon suburban and he hunched over to catch his breath and he started to cough. He could still feel the incense smoke trapped and penetrating his lungs, making it hard to breathe.

“Chen? What’s the matter? Are you okay?” hollered Henry as he tried to catch up.

Chente continued to cough and gasp for air.

“I can’t breathe and I am feeling light-headed,” he said as he desperately pulled on his coat.

“Calm down buddy. It’s okay,” replied Henry as he held Chente from behind.

Chente pushed Henry away and instantly yanked off his coat and threw it on the ground. He could still smell the sage and images of the old Native American lady were flashing in front of his eyes.

“I need some space, give me some space. I need to breathe,” wheezed Chente as he walked to the corner of the grocery store.

“What’s happening Henry,” asked Harry as he ran up to suburban.

“Chen, it’s okay, it’s okay. Please calm down. You’re okay,” pleaded Henry in a soft and calm voice. The boy from Kress was trying to establish eye contact and reassure his friend that he was in a safe place.

Henry gingerly walked over to him and began to pat him on the back.

“Chen, it’s okay,” whispered Henry. “You’re safe. I’m right here.”

Chente took a few seconds and then stood up. His eyes were red and watery from the coughing. He instantly felt remorse and regret for his erratic behavior and began to apologize to Henry and Harry.

“Dude, what happened?’ asked Harry as he walked toward Chente. “Why are you apologizing for?

Chente just shook his head and gave the two brother a worried look. “Please don’t make me talk about it right now. I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Hey boys? Your mom and I could use some help,” shouted Mr. Hamilton as he and Mrs. Hamilton walked out of the grocery store pushing a grocery cart.

“I’ll go. You take care of Chen,” said Harry as he jogged over to his parents.

Henry quickly picked up Chente’s coat off the ground and placed it under his arm.

“I am so sorry for all the drama, Henry, but please don’t make me talk about what just happened,” shivered Chente.

“Of course not. I’ve got you,” whispered Henry as they walked to the suburban.