I thank my luck that my family is busy today, leaving me to an empty house and slowly trudge upstairs, not caring for the mobile buzzing away in my po...cket, speaking in the same defeated tone as before “I’m sorry Bell...” Finally reaching my bedroom, I allow myself to fall forwards, sinking into the sheets and hoping to sleep into a never ending slumberMy sheets seem to form a cocoon around me, holding me in a safe, warm environment until I feel the mattress sink to my side, and the sound of. She fretted on her emptiness and the nightmare of loneliness. She woke dissatisfied. The daily chores for her parent’s teepee were brief, a mere public presence not suited for flirting with warriors.The weather broke today, so she ventured out far afield after completing her normal duties. Hawks drifted on a light breeze. The sun warmed the ground and brightened the winter camp. Women gathered in clusters. The old men, beyond their prime, watched the clusters, engaged in their own thoughts. Few. I’m glad it was him handling the sale.”“Yeah, he’s a decent sort. Actually, you’re the only neighbors I’ve met, so far.”Steve looked at me curiously for a few seconds. “Um, would you mind if I asked you a question, Jesse? It’s none of my business and I won’t feel slighted if you’d rather not.”I couldn’t guess where he was going, but I didn’t want to appear to be hiding anything. “Shoot!”“Well, that day I helped you unload the freezer, I saw all those boxes of wrapped meat and the hundred-pound. My younger brother used to spy on me, and he would tell Dad if I broke his rules in any way.I particularly enjoyed the Gender Identity classes at school – they taught me that there was a gay gene – that being gay was genetic rather than as a result of life experiences. This struck a chord with me because I wasn’t attracted to boys – women are much cuter, also gentle and affectionate. I decided that, if I could escape this loathsome home life, I would come out as a lesbianBut Dad had other plans.