When the weather began to cool, it was time for the Hesi, first dance of the Maidu winter celebrations. Wonoma helped Grandmother move her basket materials again. "I do not like to leave the dancehouse," said Grandmother. "But at least we still keep the dances."

Wonoma did not reply, for she knew there was talk of forsaking the beautiful dance ceremonies and burning the dancehouse. Wonoma dreaded the time Grandmother would lose another remnant from her childhood. As winter passed, Grandmother became more ill. Wonoma had seen this coughing take most of the old people, and there was nothing to stop it. When Grandmother became so weak she could not get up, Mother stayed home to care for her.

"Bring the children," said Grandmother. "I want to teach them the Maidu tales."

But Wonona's brothers, Mako and Billy, were too little to hold still as Grandmother told stories of the days when the world was new and animals talked. So Wonoma sat alone, listening with delight. Wonoma's favorite was the story of first man.

"First Man gave the people laws and legends, taught them to hunt and weave, and when to have their festivals. Then he sent them out. Northward went basket weavers, flute players to the west, singers traveled eastward, and hunters south." Wonoma listened carefully to the end when First Man taught the people to prepare acorns.