Ilatsiak - 73 - The Walk Home

During the long walk back to the camp, both David and Tulugak noticed that Agayuq seemed more talkative than usual. He told stories from his childhood, pointing out various features on the landscape, some real and others seemingly imagined. Both David and Tulugak would look at each other when the old man’s stories began to get more and more fantastic.
After stopping to eat, Agayuq suddenly announced he was too tired to go on. He’d decided to camp on the stop and continue later. He tried to encourage the other two to go on alone. He’d be alright. Of course, they were in no hurry so all three made themselves comfortable on the ground and were soon asleep.
Tulugak woke his father with a slight shake. “Ataata, grand-father’s gone...”. Looking up, David saw the old man had indeed left while they had slept. They hastily collected their things and headed out wondering where he had gone. Not far ahead, on a slight ridge they could see Agayuq, lying down. As they came closer they began picking up items which the old man had mysteriously discarded. Reaching him, they realised he was dead. For some reason he had wanted to be alone at the end. David found that confusing and sad, but in a way it was so like him. Independent to the end. Always hunting for something different.
They placed Agayuq’s body in the bear-skin and rolled it up. Then they placed rocks over it, burying him in his last bear. It all seemed so fitting, but both men had tears streaming down their faces as they worked. It was hard to walk away towards the camp, still a day’s walk ahead. What would they say to those waiting for them to return?