Flying Lessons & Other Stories

The story begins with a family gathering in the Texas backyard of the narrator’s Choctaw grandmother, whom they call MawMaw. The narrator, nicknamed “Turtle Kid” by Uncle Kenneth, does not have a specified gender, so this guide will use they/them pronouns. The family gathering is a weekly occurrence, bringing together the narrator’s extended family for a cookout. The narrator’s mother warns against listening to anything Uncle Kenneth has to say.

After his mother goes inside the house to check on the food, Uncle Kenneth beckons the narrator over. Turtle Kid’s cousins eventually follow. The other adults shake their heads, knowing he is about to tell a tall tale. At this point, the narrator notes that this is a hallmark of family: communication without speaking.

When the narrator reaches Uncle Kenneth, who is sitting in a chair by a pond, they sit at the man’s feet and wait. Uncle Kenneth states that the narrator’s mother is a smart lady, but then gives a look communicating that, despite her intelligence, she does not know all. The narrator reiterates that this is the way Choctaw talk to each other, without words.

Uncle Kenneth reminds Turtle Kid that he has already told stories about the Bohpoli, little mischievous wood sprites in Choctaw tales.