Walter held the knotted weave of entwined cordage; formed through the intensive work of skilled hands and finely stripped bark. The edges were laced with dark blue and black feathers, and tufts of animal fur.

"What's this thing?" he asked, glancing up at the old, half-blind Native American woman who was slowly rocking back and forth in an old rocking chair next to the table underneath a shady eave outside of a mostly run-down shed.

Amber, his cousin, answered. "It's a dream catcher, I think. They're supposed to prevent you from having nightmares, or something, if you put it up over your bed." She stepped behind him and picked up the dream catcher, turning it over to look at the intricate detail of the craftsmanship.

Walter had been spending the summer with his Aunt and cousin over the long hot summer. His parents had plans to take him along on a summer cruise they had been planning since the beginning of the year, but Walter's grades had sabotaged any and all chances for him to go. His parents were upset and disappointed, but they weren't going to let Walter's unmotivated laziness keep them from enjoying their trip. Aunt Deborah stepped up and volunteered to take Walter for the summer months to spend in Arizona at their home in the desert. Walter had spent the entire car drive grumbling. He was disappointed in himself. He was disappointed in his parents for leaving him behind while they enjoyed the perfect summer vacation. Read more »