The day had been peaceful, filled with the usual routines of exploring around our home and helping Mama with small chores. As the sun began to set, I eagerly awaited Papa's return from his hunting trip. He had gone out early in the morning with his friends, promising to be back by nightfall.
"Mama, when do you think Papa will be back?" I asked, peeking out the window for the hundredth time that evening.
"Soon, Keyn. The sun is almost down. He should be home any minute now," she replied, her voice calm but her eyes betraying a hint of worry.
Suddenly, I saw a figure emerging from the forest. My heart leaped with joy at first, but as the figure came closer, I noticed something was wrong. Papa was limping, and there were dark stains on his clothes.
"Papa!" I shouted, running towards the door.
"Keyn, wait!" Mama called, but I was already outside, my small legs carrying me as fast as they could towards my father.
As I reached him, the sight stopped me in my tracks. Papa was covered in blood, his face pale and etched with pain. He leaned heavily on his bow, using it as a crutch to support himself.
"Papa, what happened?" I asked, my voice trembling with fear.
"Keyn, it's alright," he said weakly, forcing a smile. "I'm home now."
Mama quickly joined us, her face a mask of concern. She wrapped her arm around Papa's waist, helping him inside. I followed, my heart pounding in my chest. The sight of blood and the pained expression on Papa's face filled me with a fear I had never felt before.
"Adel, what happened?" Mama asked as she carefully helped him onto a chair near the fireplace.
"We were ambushed," he explained, wincing as he spoke. "A pack of wild beasts caught us off guard. We fought them off, but... we lost Thom."
I felt a lump form in my throat. Thom was one of Papa's best friends, always kind and full of stories. The realization that he was gone made my fear even more real.
"Is Papa going to be okay, Mama?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.
"He'll be fine, Keyn," she said, though I could see the worry in her eyes. "But we need to tend to his wounds."
Mama worked quickly, gathering her herbal remedies and clean cloths. She gently cleaned the blood from Papa's wounds, applying salves and bandages with practiced hands. I stood by, feeling helpless but wanting to do something to help.
"Keyn, come here," Papa called softly.
I approached him hesitantly, my eyes wide with concern. "Yes, Papa?"
He reached out and took my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I'll be alright, son. This is just part of the life we lead. But it's important to remember that we have to be careful and look out for each other."
For the first time, I truly understood the dangers that Papa faced every day. The sight of his injuries and the loss of Thom brought a harsh reality to my young mind. I felt a mix of fear and sadness, emotions that were new and overwhelming.
"I don't want you to get hurt, Papa," I said, tears welling up in my eyes.
He pulled me into a gentle hug, despite his injuries. "I know, Keyn. And I'll always do my best to come back to you and your mother. But sometimes, there are risks we have to take."
"Keyn, your father is very strong and very brave," Mama said softly, joining the embrace. "And he does everything he can to keep us safe."
* * *
That night, I stayed close to Papa, watching as Mama continued to care for him. The fear lingered, but there was also a sense of pride. My father was a brave hunter, protecting our home and village from the dangers of the wild.
As the hours passed, I kept myself busy by bringing fresh water and clean cloths to Mama, and by watching her closely as she worked her healing magic. The sight of her hands moving swiftly and surely, applying salves and binding wounds, filled me with awe. She was a healer, and her calm, steady presence reassured me that everything would be alright.
"Keyn, can you hand me that bundle of herbs over there?" Mama asked, pointing to a small pile on the table.
I quickly fetched the herbs and brought them to her. "What are these for, Mama?"
"These are for making a poultice. It will help reduce the swelling and ease the pain," she explained, grinding the herbs into a paste.
As I watched her work, I realized how much I still had to learn. Mama and Papa both had skills that were essential for our survival, and I wanted to be just as capable and knowledgeable as they were.
* * *
Later, as Papa lay resting, his breathing steady but labored, Mama and I sat by his side. The fire crackled softly, casting a warm glow over the room. I couldn't take my eyes off Papa's bandaged wounds, a stark reminder of the dangers he faced.
"Mama, will Papa be able to hunt again?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
"He will, Keyn. But it will take time for him to heal. Until then, we'll take care of him and make sure he gets the rest he needs," she replied, her voice gentle but firm.
I nodded, determined to help in any way I could. "I'll help too, Mama. I'll do whatever it takes to make sure Papa gets better."
She smiled, her eyes filled with pride and love. "I know you will, Keyn. You're a brave and caring boy, and I'm proud of you."
* * *
That night, I lay in bed, my mind racing with thoughts of the day's events. The image of Papa, wounded and weary, haunted me. But there was also a sense of resolve growing within me. I wanted to be strong and brave, just like him.
* * *
The next morning, I woke up early, the sun barely peeking over the horizon. I quietly got dressed and tiptoed into the living area. Papa was still asleep, his breathing deep and steady. Mama was sitting by his side, her head resting on the back of the chair, dozing lightly.
Determined to help, I decided to start the day by taking care of some of the chores. I fetched water from the well, gathered firewood, and tidied up the kitchen. Each task made me feel more capable and more connected to the rhythms of our daily life.
As I was finishing up, Mama woke and gave me a tired but grateful smile. "Thank you, Keyn. You've been a big help this morning."
"I'm happy to help, Mama. I want to make sure everything is ready for when Papa wakes up," I said, feeling a sense of pride.
Together, we prepared a simple breakfast. As the aroma of fresh bread and herbal tea filled the air, I saw Papa stir and slowly open his eyes.
"Good morning, Papa," I said softly, approaching his bedside.
"Good morning, Keyn," he replied, his voice still weak but filled with warmth. "I see you've been busy."
"I wanted to help, Papa. I want you to get better as soon as possible," I said, holding his hand.
He squeezed my hand gently. "Thank you, son. Your help means a lot to me."
* * *
As the days passed, Papa gradually regained his strength. Mama and I continued to care for him, and I spent every spare moment learning from her about healing herbs and remedies. I also practiced the skills Papa had taught me, determined to become as proficient as he was.
One afternoon, as we sat together by the fireplace, Papa shared stories of his hunting adventures, teaching me important lessons about survival and respect for nature.
"Remember, Keyn, being a hunter isn't just about catching prey. It's about understanding the land, the animals, and the balance of life. Always respect the creatures you hunt and the environment you live in," he said, his voice filled with wisdom.
"I will, Papa. I promise," I replied, absorbing every word.
* * *
Eventually, the time came for Papa to venture back into the forest. This time, he was not alone. Mama and I accompanied him, ensuring he didn't overexert himself. It was a slower pace, but it was a step towards recovery and normalcy.
As we walked through the familiar paths of the forest, I felt a renewed sense of connection to the world around me. The trees, the birds, the rustling leaves—all of it felt alive and vibrant.
"Keyn, you've grown a lot these past few weeks," Papa said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "I'm proud of you."
"Thank you, Papa. I've learned so much from you and Mama. I want to be as strong and wise as you both are," I replied, feeling a deep sense of gratitude.
"You will be, Keyn. You're already on your way," he said with a smile.