As I arrived near the stream, I noticed mother was already at work in catching some fish. "Hi mom!" My mother was an elagant woman as well as beautiful and although she belonged in nobility, all she ever wanted was to live a normal life, away from such position and ended up marrying my dad who was a commoner. "Hi Noona!" She yelled back welcoming me back home. "So how was your day?" She asked. "Oh, just enjoying my usual mornings." With an unsettling smile as I replied. Hoping that the news about me vandalizing Mr. Rodger's pumpkin batch has not reached her yet. "I heard Mr. Rodgers was throwing quite a fit this morning. Do you know why is that?" She slowly gazed at me with suspicion. I replied "Well-..." (inner voice) "OH NOO! SHE KNOWS!" My mother cuts me off before I could finish. "Say no more... a little birdie told me that someone had done some art on a bunch of pumkins." She said as she stares at me. "Among the batch, there was a cat like face drawn to one with a signature on it. I wonder who would do THAT?" She said. (Inner voice) "Crap! I forgot! Note to self, stop putting your name on art that can get you in trouble for sure." As I given mom a smirk and chuckle with a bit of guilt that was expressed on my face, mom closed her eyes and took a good deep inhale of air and slowing breathing out remaining composed. (Sighed) "You know better than pestering some of our neighbors Noona dear." As I was being reprimanded from my actions, I replied, "Yes mom, it was me and sorry." One of her eyes slowly opened to stare at me while I felt guilty as she smirked. "Well between you and me Noona, I believe that old fool had it coming from time after time of misbehavior. So, I believe some fair justice was properly excercised." I suddenly became surprised... lost of words for a moment. But as clear as day, she was clearly someone I was always glad to have as a best friend and mother to me and quickly smiled back at her with both of us chuckling. "Yeah! Forest Justice!" I passionately shouted. My mom smiles to me as I smile back at her. (Both saying in their thoughts):
(Mother's thoughts) "Like mother like daughter."
(Noona's thoughts) "Like daughter like mother."
As we both enjoy the company of each other in our fishing, I had thought to ask my mother about this event... "Mom, what do you think of the Firefly Festival?" I asked. She replied "Well dear, I think its a way that helps both predators and prey to gather and celebrate by remembering their loved ones that was lost in the fire. That way, it gives both sides to have an understanding, as long as they both can socialize, the Old Grove will continue to thrive. At least thats what I believe." After she said that, I was puzzled for a bit. Doesn't she realize that all that this event is doing is just encouraging many to just relieve their anger on a single individual? Or maybe she is just trying to make sure I don't do or say anything that would cause trouble? I need to know...
"But mom, have you ever met who this "Black Cinders" was? I know for sure I was not born at that time but I'm old enough to know whats right and wrong. I'm not a kitten anymore mom. This just doesn't feel right to me."
My mom given off a gentle chuckle, slowly closed her eyes and softly brushed her cheek to mines and said- "My dear sweet Noona, we of the ocelots were gifted the ability to feel and know what is right and wrong. All it takes is to follow our instincts... but... due to circumstances, we cannot intervene in such political matters that could cause our kind to be involved. As ocelots, there is a saying that we are very familiar with that we MUST heed well"...
"Curiosity kills the cat"
My ears felt heavy with my mind filled with anxiety. "I understand mom."
I know I don't have the right to just say things recklessly knowing far too well on the consequences, but... I don't know why... as my mind went to agree with my mom... my heart felt... unsettled... "Black Cinders"..."The Shadow of the Dark Grove"... are they one of the same?... If so, who was he?...