Short Story: The Pansy Flower

The Pansy Flower Many years ago, in an area now known as North Carolina, many Native Tribes lived their lives. One of the most popular tribes was the Catawba, with many members living on the coast of Native land. In this particular tribe, many young men lived and played around on a daily basis. Fighting together, living together, the young men grew up fierce and fiery. One particular young man, Ahote, was quite different from the normal group of young natives. The group first started to notice his peculiarities when they were just around the age of ten. On this day, many on the young men were planning to go hunt deer, some on the first time alone. “I’m going to kill my first deer!”, cried Abooksigun, excited to help feed the tribe. “Won’t
Abooksigun came one last time to him, asking Ahote to please consider helping. “Please come help this time, Ahote. A dragon is coming attack, and we must fight this beast.” “I will not fight,” said Ahote. “Why do we not gather our things and leave the area? Fighting this beast will cause no good, he will likely ruin my flowers.” Pahana overheard, and chimed in with rage. “It is always about your flowers, Ahote! We have the chance of a lifetime to eat dragon for weeks and months, and all you care about is your flowers! Forget your flowers! If you do not fight, I will see to you being kicked out of the tribe! For once in your life, don’t be such a pansy!” “Then it shall be,” said Ahote. “I will not fight, and I will leave the tribe.” Ahote gathered his flowers, and the meager belongings he had, and set out away. The men then went to fight the dragon. However, the fight did not go their way this time. The battle was quick, and the natives lost many men, including Pahana. Many other were injured, including Abooksigun. After retreat, only half of the native men were able to come back, almost all injured. They took refuge in the new area full of tipis and shelters Ahote had built during the days of the battle. There was no deer or meat for the men, as none were able to kill for tribal food. However, Ahote was able to feed the men with flowers, specifically those grown from the flower that came to him across the waters when he was just ten years old. The flowers did not taste great, but almost all of the returning men were able to survive, even those with injuries. Ahote had saved the tribe from certain destruction. Addressing the tribe, Ahote said, “I know now why this flower came to me. While some men waged fights they could not win, I was able to make a meager living not taking such risks. Sometimes in life, you have to pick your battles. Men such as Pahana are now dead, and not able to support the tribe. The