Only Chuchip’s closest friend knew of his secret hiding place. He found Chuchip there.

“Chuchip, why do you cry so much?”
“My sweet Ashkii, I don’t know why I cry. Don’t tell the others. Don’t tell my father.”
“Of course, I wouldn’t.”

Ashkii, patiently and lovingly, wiped away Chuchip’s streaming tears.
“I heard that you made the offering to Aponi in the presence of your mother this morning.”
“Yes, I did. She’ll be my wife.”
“Ah, so these are tears of happiness!”
Chuchip wished that the tears were full of happiness. But they were not.
He sighed, “I told you: I do not know why I cry. I know that I am not happy.”
“You’d best cheer up!” Ashkii playfully shoved Chuchip—knocking him over sideways. They both chuckled as Chuchip returned the playful nudge.

“Aponi is beautiful. She moves like she flies. And your sons will be strong.” Ashkii encouraged him as he scanned the calm waters.
“Yes, you’re right.” Chuchip nodded and roughly shook away the tears that he wanted to shed so badly.