Dum leaves his mark

One benefit of the fire in the cave was that the bats had gone too. They did not worry Dum and Yum as they had an overhanging ledge to sleep under that no-one else cared for. Dum didn't sit up straight when he woke, his main concern was to check that Yum and Wah-Wah were safe. Yum liked her hole in the wall too a it made her feel special while the other women preferred to hear the chatter of others and listen to their secrets. 

Yum would reach out and touch Dum's face when he was asleep wondering how such a man who thought things out rather than acting rashly should be so pleased with her. She knew she had a temper and would explode every now and then. Despite this Dum merely got on with his life providing for his family.

She was glad too that he was respected now rather than laughed at. She was determined to reward him. Perhaps she should stop hitting him so much or perhaps she could show her appreciation in some other way. She knew he really liked her as he always slept with one arm over her and Wah-Wah each night. 

Wah-Wah was growing and would soon be running about chasing birds and butterflies  when spring came around again. His was the first bearskin garment she had made to see how it could be and now she was working on one for her and Dum.

She went back to their sleeping place to tidy up. It was quite snug and dark there. As Dum was out with Wah-Wah she swept out bits and pieces and laid her firebrand on the floor so she could use both hands. As she brushed the debris out of their corner she glanced up and saw a drawing of bears on the rock above. She knew at once Dum had done it. He would definitely get a reward tonight. 

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