The flickering flames of the bonfire cast eerie shadows across the clearing, but amidst the darkness, a face emerged that sent a shockwave through Meriam. It was a familiar visage, one she had long thought lost to time and circumstance. Her heart raced as she strained to see more clearly, recognition flooding her with a mix of emotions.
In a moment of desperation, she turned on her heel and sprinted back to the hut, her pulse pounding in her ears. Bursting through the door, she found Apollo sleeping peacefully, and without hesitation, she enveloped him in a tight embrace. The warmth of her son's presence grounded her, yet a storm of conflicting feelings roiled within.
She should have felt joy at seeing Aaron, but instead, a sharp ache pierced her heart. Memories flooded back—of love, laughter, and ultimately, loss. She had wanted nothing more than to be reunited with him, but now, all she could think about was the danger his presence might bring. Her protective instincts kicked in fiercely; she wanted nothing more than to shield Apollo from the pain and darkness that had marked her own life.
Though Aaron loved them, Meriam's mind raced with the reality of their situation. Love was not enough to keep them safe. The scars of betrayal and neglect weighed heavy on her heart, and she couldn't shake the feeling that Aaron's return might herald more trouble than solace. What brought him back to the forest, and why now?
Meriam held Apollo tighter, her resolve hardening. She needed to confront Aaron, to understand his intentions and whether he had truly changed. Her son's safety was paramount, and she would do whatever it took to protect him—even if it meant facing the very man she once loved.
Determined and resolute, Meriam slipped out of the hut once more, her heart racing with a mix of fear and anticipation. She had to know for certain if it was Aaron, and she couldn't afford to be caught off guard. Keeping to the shadows, she moved swiftly through the forest, ensuring she stayed five steps ahead of any potential threats.
The campfire's glow guided her through the darkness, and as she approached the clearing, the familiar voices echoed in the night air. With each cautious step, she strained to listen, her senses alert for any sign that might confirm her suspicions. As she drew nearer, the sight of him became undeniable: Aaron, unmistakably him, his silhouette outlined by the firelight, surrounded by the other men.
A rush of conflicting emotions surged through her. Relief washed over her at the sight of him, but it was quickly replaced by a sense of urgency. She needed to act, and fast. Turning on her heel, she retraced her steps, her mind racing as she formulated a plan.
Reaching the area near their hut, she began to gather materials for traps—sticks, vines, anything she could use to create a barrier. She worked quickly, her hands moving deftly as she set up a series of snares and obstacles just outside their sleeping space. The rustling leaves and snapping twigs were drowned out by her focused thoughts, each trap a silent promise to protect Apollo.
With the traps set, she took a moment to breathe, her heart still pounding. She knew she had to keep her wits about her. If Aaron truly meant them harm—or even if he was merely careless—she had to be ready. Protecting her son was her only priority, and she would do whatever it took to ensure their safety, even if it meant confronting the man who once held her heart.
Meriam returned to the hut, her heart still racing but her resolve steady. She knelt beside Apollo, who was waking up with sleep still in his eyes. She brushed a stray lock of hair from his forehead, her expression serious. "You need to stay close to me this time, Apollo. Promise me you won't wander off."
He looked up at her, curiosity and concern mingling in his gaze. "Is it because of the people I saw, Mother?"
"No, no," she reassured him quickly, trying to keep her tone light. "It's just that the heat isn't right this time, and I don't want you to get dehydrated. So, drink plenty of water, okay?" She pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead, grounding them both in that moment.
Apollo nodded, his brow furrowing slightly but trusting her instinctively. "Hey, you want me to cook your favorite porridge?" he asked, a spark of enthusiasm lighting up his face.
The corners of her mouth turned up, and she couldn't help but smile back. "I'd love that," she said, her heart warming at the sight of his happiness.
As he moved to the small cooking area, Meriam watched him, her heart swelling with love and protectiveness. For now, this moment of normalcy was a small reprieve from the uncertainty outside. She knew she had to keep him safe, and as she embraced the warmth of their routine, she held onto the hope that they could navigate whatever dangers lay ahead together.
As they settled into their morning routine, Apollo suddenly looked around, a frown creeping onto his face. "Mother, have you seen little Diego?" he asked, worry tinging his voice.
Meriam's heart sank as she realized the little dog was nowhere in sight. "Oh, I'm sorry, Apollo. I went to get some corn downhill. He must have followed me and wandered off," she admitted, guilt weighing heavily on her shoulders.
Apollo's eyes widened, and he stood up, determination setting his jaw. "Forgive me, Mother, but I have to go outside and look for him."
Meriam opened her mouth to protest, knowing the dangers that lurked outside their safe haven, but the earnestness in his gaze stopped her. She couldn't bear to stifle his concern for their beloved dog. It was her fault Diego had gone missing, and she couldn't deny him the chance to find his friend.
"Okay, but please, be careful," she said, her voice laced with anxiety. "Stay close to the hut, and call for him if you don't see him right away."