Ugh! Can't you do this! cried the little brother, "I've been at this for hours".
The boy looked about 12 years old and had long black braided hair and a bulky muscular body that stood out for his age.
Things have been hard on the two for the last few months, their father has been away hunting, forcing the brothers take on all the household chores.
"Muskrat, stop being dramatic! You started five minutes ago" said Whiskey-Jack
"Besides I've already done must of the work we just need to chop a few more logs".
Wesakechuk was a tall lanky sixteen year old boy with long unkempt hair, what stood out about his appearance was his unnatural silver colored eyes.
As winter was fast approaching the brothers needed to get their home ready for the next few months. Living in the forest, it required the family to be self-reliant and do lots of preparation for the changing seasons.
Their father would general complete winter preparation, but due to the animals disappearing around the forest, their hunting grounds have grown bare causing their father to hunt further and further.
Just as Muskrat was finishing the final log the brothers could see their mother approaching the camp.
"Hi boys, looks like you two have been busy" said their Mother.
While their father has been away hunting, they have no clues as to where their mother ventures off to during the day.
Muskrat tried to follow her once, only to be caught and told it's too dangerous for him to leave the camp and was promptly sent back.
"Hi Mom, how was your day, did you bring back any food?" Muskrat asked immediately, noticing the bag over her shoulder
Their mother put down her rump sack and opened it.
The boy's eyes almost popped out from his head. "That's enough food to last us all winter!" Muskrat exclaimed as he picked up the bag and ran inside.
"Mom... are you okay? asked Wesakechuk.
His mother's usually brown skin was looking rather pale.
"I'm okay, just the long hike has me exhausted" said his mother with a warm smile
As they walked inside Whiskey-Jack couldn't help but stare at his mothers changing appearence.
Since their father left, she looks to have lost 30lbs, her skin colour has slowly been shading grey, and overall her strange behaviour had Whiskey-Jack worried for his mother.
"Please come home soon Dad, Mom needs you" he thought