On the fourth day of my journey to explore the world, I set up the tent I had bought the day before in the nearest forest outside Zoda City. After waking up, I realized that the first city I would be heading to was called Bosoru. I had heard a lot about Bosoru in the past and how popular it was. I had never visited other cities before—only the city I was born in and Zoda City.
I stood up, packed my tent, gathered my things, and prepared to head to Bosoru. There was just one problem: I had forgotten to buy a map, which would make things harder.
Before leaving the forest... Huh? What's that? I noticed a small wooden house nestled among the trees, and the scent of cooked meat was wafting from its direction. It seemed like someone was in the house. Maybe I could ask for a map or at least directions to Bosoru.
As I approached the house, the smell of cooking meat grew stronger.
Before I could knock, the door opened, revealing a kind, smiling face.
Hey, young man! I've been waiting for you.
An elderly woman, probably in her seventies or eighties, greeted me. But had she just said she was waiting for me? I thought to myself.
H-hi, sorry for interrupting. I just wanted to ask for directions.
Haha, no need to apologize, young man! I saw you sleeping in the forest yesterday and didn't want to wake you. I figured you'd pass this way, so I prepared dinner for both of us. Don't be shy—come in!
No, no, that's not necessary. I just need to know how to get to—
Just listen, young man. Didn't your parents teach you to listen to your elders? Now come inside, and let's eat first. After that, I'll give you the directions you need.
Before she could finish, my stomach growled loudly. I could feel my face turning red.
Haha, see? You're hungry. Come in, don't be shy.
A-alright, I replied, embarrassed. I followed her inside the small wooden house. The aroma of the dinner she was making was like nothing I had ever smelled before—it was incredible.
She told me to sit at the table and wait while she finished preparing dinner. As I looked around, I noticed the house was small, but it had a warm, energetic, and happy feel to it. It was also clean and well-organized.
Alright, here you go, boy. Don't be shy—enjoy, she said, placing a plate full of rice and meat in front of me.
Y-yeah, thank you for the food. I picked up the wooden spoon and began eating immediately.
It was rabbit meat, and it was so delicious that words couldn't do it justice. A moment later, she handed me a wooden bowl of soup.
Here, boy, try this soup too.
As I ate, savoring the meal, I noticed the old woman watching me with a proud but slightly sad expression.
You know, boy, you remind me of my child. He used to enjoy the meals I made just like you do.
Y-your child? Is he alright? I asked.
Oh, yes, don't worry. He's fine. He's one of the richest men in the country now. But he stopped visiting me after he got married.
What kind of son wouldn't visit his mother? I thought to myself, though I didn't say anything aloud.
But as long as my son is happy and doing well, that's all I care about, she said, a tear rolling down her cheek.
Ehm, can I help you in any way? I asked, feeling a bit awkward.
No, no, boy. Sorry for dragging you into my troubles, she replied.
After we finished eating, I helped her clean the dishes and tidy up the house.
Thank you for helping me, she said. I didn't catch your name.
My name is Von.
Von, that's an interesting name. My name is Gina.
Thank you for the meal, Gina. It's been a while since I've had such a delicious dinner, especially with company.
No need to thank me, dear. I enjoyed it too. But before you go, here.
She handed me a map showing the nearest cities and mountains around the forest.
Von, this may be an old map, but it's the only one I have.
Nah, it's fine. Don't worry, G-Gina... I hesitated, feeling odd addressing an elderly woman by her first name.
Goodbye, Von. Don't forget to visit me again.
Y-yes, of course.
Before I left, she gave me some bottles of water and food for the road. She was so kind.
As I left the forest, I pulled out the map Gina had given me.
Alright, so I'm here, and this is Bosoru. It looks like Bosoru is the nearest city, but it's still quite far from here.
It would take about five days to walk there.
Alright, no more complaining. Time to start walking.
[Von's adventure to discover this vast world had finally begun.]