Rhymes for Young Ghouls

The story opens with a grave prologue, illuminating the painful history of Canada’s First Nations children who were forcibly separated from their families and placed into Indian residential schools. In 1969, Aila’s (character not provided) seemingly idyllic childhood unfolds on the serene Red Crow Indian Reservation, a Mi’kmaq reserve. However, this peace is shattered as Aila’s parents, Joseph and Anna, grapple with the deep-rooted trauma inflicted by St. Dymphna’s residential school, leading them down the path of substance abuse. A tragic turn of events occurs when Aila’s younger brother, Tyler, tragically dies due to a drunk driving incident caused by Anna. Overwhelmed by grief, Anna takes her own life, leaving Joseph to shoulder the unbearable guilt and face imprisonment for assuming blame.

Fast forward seven years to 1976, where we see a now-teenage Aila taking control of her father’s drug-dealing operations under the dubious guidance of her uncle Burner, who shares a predilection for drugs. Determined to avoid St. Dymphna’s and the same traumatic fate as her parents, Aila resorts to bribing the corrupt Indian agent Popper (character not provided) with drug money. As we delve into flashbacks, we learn that the younger Popper endured relentless bullying from Burner and his friends, nurturing a profound disdain for the Mi’kmaq people.

A pivotal moment arises when Aila’s drug money mysteriously vanishes, leading to further complications as Joseph is released from prison and returns to the Red Crow Reserve. Their reunion is fraught with tension, with Aila harboring resentment over her father’s absence during her key formative years, while Joseph disapproves of her involvement in drug trafficking.

In search of a way out, Aila devises a plan with three friends to infiltrate St. Dymphna’s and steal the required funds. They gain the assistance of one of the boys residing at the school, Jujijj (character not provided), successfully penetrating the school’s defenses. However, their plan unravels when Burner betrays them to Popper, resulting in Joseph’s wrongful arrest and Aila’s imprisonment at St. Dymphna’s.

Once inside, Aila finds a glimmer of hope in a local resident boy who liberates her from her confinement. Driven by the thirst for vengeance against Popper, Aila hatches another plan to storm the school, this time disguised in Halloween costumes alongside her friends. Together, they not only free Joseph but also manage to steal C$ 20,000 from Popper’s office. This daring escapade brings Aila closure, as she reconciles with her father, who shares invaluable wisdom and absolves her of the guilt she carries regarding her mother’s heartbreaking end and the cycle of abuse that plagues St. Dymphna’s.

Fate takes a dark turn when Popper, relentless in his pursuit, confronts Joseph and brutally attacks him, knocking him to the ground. Shifting his attention to Aila, Popper’s malicious intent is swiftly thwarted by an unexpected hero—the local boy who had earlier rescued Aila. This young savior displays a remarkable bravery, subduing Popper with an impressive skill that belies his youth. In the wake of this intense clash, Joseph bravely steps forward to take the blame for Popper’s fate, thereby protecting both Aila and the young boy from further danger.

Meanwhile, Gisigu, a reliable friend of Aila’s grandfather, assumes a mentoring role in her life, providing her with essential guidance amidst the treacherous setting beset by drug addiction. As Aila embarks on her journey of healing, she also cultivates an unexpected friendship with her young savior, their shared trials forming the bedrock of a steadfast bond.

Last Updated: November 18, 2024 at 20:30