Chato's Lesson in Life

One day, Chato was walking down a dusty trail where he met up with his friend, Greasy. Greasy was on his way to the main village to see a girl there that he liked very much. Chato was known as a bit of a smart aleck, and he started to tease Greasy about his feelings for the girl, whose name was Corrine. Not liking Chato's comments very much, Greasy become angry and told him that it was none of his affair, and to be quiet.

The two boys continued along the trail toward the village without talking.

"Love is too strong for me," Chato said. "I can't deal with those kinds of feelings.

Every time I have tried love, it has fallen apart. I can't seem to find the right girl for me. I've decided that it's easier just to not get involved. Heck, joining a war party and going on raids of other camps is no where near as dangerous!"

Greasy felt sorry for Chato after hearing this, and realized that Chato was probably only teasing him because he was a bit jealous. "Well, don't you think having someone special in your life is important," he said. "I mean, it's hard for me to imagine not being with Corrine."

"Sure but look at me. My life isn't worth anything. No girl is ever going to like me."

"Now wait a minute," replied Greasy. "What about that one girl, Water Buffalo Woman? She's been around the camp a few times and seemed pretty interested. Doesn't that tell you something?"

Chato said, "I've seen her around the campfires at night. When she walks by my campfire, she smiles, and I smile back, and I feel like I want to talk to her, but I get all nervous and choked up. So I don't say anything."

"Well I can understand that," said Greasy, "but you're never going to know what might happen, if you don't try. For all you know, she may be really interested. Maybe she's just as nervous ,as you are, and she's waiting for you to make the first move."

Chato's face brightened a little. "Do you think so?" he said. "You really think I should try talking to her, do you? I don't know. Her older brother is very protective of her, and he's a real animal. He's big and dumb, and I could get seriously hurt if he decides he doesn't like me."

Greasy considered for a moment. Chato was right about Water Buffalo Woman's brother. He could get pretty rough; especially where she was concerned.

"Here's an idea," he said. "If you are interested in her, why don't you send your little brother, Stumpy, to give her a message to meet you down by the river. That way you can talk to her in private."

"That's a good idea. I think maybe I'll try that," said Chato. Suddenly, he realized he was starting to feel nervous, but in kind of a good way. He decided he would talk to Stumpy to arrange something, as soon as they got to the village.

As it turned out, Water Buffalo Woman did like Chato, and it wasn't long before they had fallen deeply in love.

After that, Chato never teased Greasy about Corrine anymore. He had discovered that love can, indeed, happen to anyone, and since it had found it's way into his heart, he was very happy.

A work of fiction by Ron Alexander
Transcribed and edited by his tutor, Mike North

Ron works with his tutor, Mike.