Jacqueline Oker e Long Ago In the beginning there was only Lynx (Nodda), Wolverine (Nowe) and the earth with all of its trees, hills, flowers, mountains, grass and water. Nodda and Nowe were sitting cross-legged across from each other by some big oak trees near a lake. “Hello, Hello,” Nowe yelled, “is anybody out there?” There was no answer. Even the wind was quiet. Nowe looked at Nodda. “Lets make some- thing,” Nowe said, “I’m bored stiff” “You mean your business is stiff from not being used,” Nodda teased. “Cut that out,” Nowe said, embarrassed. “I’m serious, I want us to invent something.” “Like what?” Nodda said curiously. “Everything has already been made by Beaver, Muskrat, and the big noise.” “How about we make a computer?” Nowe said, springing to his paws. “A what?” Nodda asked wrinkling his eyebrows. “A machine that will help us make things,” Nowe replied. Thinking about it, Nodda exclaimed, “That would be a good thing to make!” He jumped on his hind legs and rubbed his furry face, “But who will use this thing you call computer?” “We will, you dummy,” Nowe said, “This computer will help us to make T.V., radio, clock, remote control, vehicles, phones, answering machines, and the list goes on.” “Stop, Stop,” cried Nodda, “Who will use all these things you speak about?” Nowe, annoyed with Nodda’s ignorance slapped him on the side of the head. “You’re such a duh,” Nowe said ticked off. “These things we will make for our children and for us to better communicate with each other.” “Our children?” Nodda said excitedly, “you mean we’re going to have kids.” “Why do you think the man upstairs gave us our business? To look at?” Nowe said sarcastically. “Of course we’re going to have kids.” Blushing, Nodda looked down at his business. “I'm going to make lots of kids all at once,” Nodda said. “Not me,” Nowe said, “I’m going to make them one at a time so that [ can teach them all I know.” 103