They crept up on dirty, bare feet; cutting glances in her direction; shy, they were, like small, feral creatures in the snow. Sometimes they brought gifts--bull frog tadpoles in jars, deer skulls and other bones, trout just caught, ducks just shot or animal skins.

She examined each offering with equal interest and care, never favoring little Cain over little Abel. It was this quality of hers that drew the boys to her.

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If you would like to read the rest of this story, it has been published and you may purchase a copy of Keyhole Magazine Issue #3 here:

Keyhole Magazine Issue #3

http://www.keyholepublications.com/issue3/contents.html

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