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Show 31 Chua rubbed his shoulder where Ahote's rock had hit him. The pain was still there. A black lump had already formed under his skin, and was growing larger. Chua didn't care about himself, but he was glad Ahote hadn't thrown a rock at his mother - this time. But what would happen next time? Ahote was getting worse. They couldn't go on like this. CHAPTER 8 "Watch the star in the dipper, mother," Chua said pointing to the bright star in the V sky. He steadied the baskets of com on his shoulders. "That's the way Ahote is leading y<§^ J^^ irivate v ^ «<^r US. ff,m~ ,. i - j i v \ >l\ K XJ 1/ VV-~ \\~7 f »/-\. \i Ahote was ahead of them, so they could talk in private. n£ "After the baby is bom we can't stay with Ahote," Apa said. "I don't know how, but we must leave him. The chewing root has taken him over, and he will harm us. I'm sorry he hit you." Thank you, Com Mother, thought Chua, raising his eyes to the sky. "If he will harm you, he will harm the baby," Apa said. "We can't stay." "I know," Chua said. He gave a big sigh of relief. "I was afraid when he picked up that rock to throw at you." "I was frightened too," Apa said. "We'll watch and pray. The way will open up forus- ^ ^ -pirw-tr? f&rayH>Wce. 'I'm sending positive thoughts outjntothe universe. Sotuknang will hear us and £ send help," Chua said. / J - , |