The morning sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows across the glade. 🌞 Birds chirped softly, the air cool and fresh with the promise of a new day. Aliamo sat on a log, his rifle propped beside him, staring into the embers of the dying fire. 🔥 The events of the night weighed heavily on him, but one thought lingered above all else.
"Have any of you seen a dog?" 🐕
His question came suddenly, breaking the morning stillness. Chawmeow, who had been busy adjusting Meera's blanket, paused and frowned. 🛏️
"A dog?" she echoed.
Aliamo nodded, his gaze distant. "Her name was Coco. A black shepherd mix. She was with me the night you came crashing into my life."
Sai, still groggy from sleep, perked up at the mention of a dog. "You had a dog? What happened to her?"
Aliamo's grip tightened on his mug of tea. 🍵 "I don't know. She ran ahead that night when I went to check on the crash. I thought she'd come back, but she never did."
Chawmeow glanced at Aliamo, noting the flicker of pain in his eyes. "Why didn't you mention her before?"
Aliamo shrugged, his voice low. "Didn't seem important at the time. There were bigger things to deal with. But now..." He trailed off, his gaze scanning the edge of the glade as if expecting Coco to emerge from the trees. 🌲
"Maybe she'll find her way back," Sai offered, his young voice full of hope. 🌟
Aliamo gave a faint smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Maybe."
The Arrival 🌒
By midday, the group had packed up their temporary camp, preparing to move deeper into the forest. 🌿 They had just finished loading their supplies when Sai froze, pointing toward the trees. 🌳
"Someone's coming!" he whispered.
Aliamo's hand went to his rifle, and Chawmeow instinctively pulled Meera closer. 🧸 From the shadows of the forest emerged an old man, his steps steady despite his bent posture. His clothes were simple, almost threadbare, and his face was hidden beneath a wide-brimmed hat. 🎩
"Who's there?" Aliamo called out, his voice firm.
The old man stopped a few paces away and raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "Just a traveler," he said, his voice deep and gravelly. "I mean no harm."
Aliamo's eyes narrowed. "What's your name?"
The man lifted his hat slightly, revealing sharp, piercing eyes that seemed to see right through them. "You can call me Rowan." 👁️
Chawmeow exchanged a glance with Aliamo, her instincts on high alert. "What are you doing out here?"
"Same as you, I suspect," Rowan replied, his tone cryptic. "Trying to stay out of sight."
Aliamo didn't lower his rifle, but something about Rowan's presence felt oddly familiar. The man's movements, the way he carried himself—it tugged at a memory Aliamo couldn't quite place. 🕵️♂️
"Do you have a dog?" Sai asked suddenly, stepping closer to Rowan. 🐕
The old man tilted his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I've known a few dogs in my time, boy. Why do you ask?"
"We lost one," Sai explained. "Her name was Coco. Have you seen her?"
Rowan's smile deepened, but he shook his head. "Can't say I have. But dogs have a way of finding their way back to the ones they love." 💖
Aliamo studied the man, suspicion flickering in his eyes. "You're welcome to stay for a meal, but we're moving on soon. Don't try anything."
Rowan gave a slight bow. "Much obliged."
As the day wore on, Rowan proved to be an unassuming guest. He helped gather firewood, repaired Sai's broken knife 🔪, and even showed Chawmeow how to construct a better sling for carrying Meera. Despite his kindness, there was an air of mystery about him that no one could ignore. 🧐
That night, as the fire crackled and the group ate their meager supper, Aliamo found himself watching Rowan closely. 🔥 The old man sat a little apart from the group, his gaze fixed on the stars above. ✨
"Why are you really here?" Aliamo asked, breaking the silence.
Rowan didn't look at him. "Isn't it enough that I'm just passing through?"
"Not out here," Aliamo said firmly. "People don't just pass through these woods." 🌲
Rowan chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling in the firelight. "You're sharp, Aliamo. Always were." 💫
Aliamo stiffened. "How do you know my name?"
Rowan turned to him, his expression unreadable. "I listen. Observe. You can learn a lot about people if you pay attention." 👂
Chawmeow's silver eyes narrowed. "You're hiding something."
"Aren't we all?" Rowan replied evenly. 👀
Over the next two days, Rowan integrated himself into their small group. He never spoke about his past, but his actions spoke volumes. He seemed to anticipate their needs, guiding them to a hidden spring when their water ran low 💧 and showing Aliamo a better way to secure their camp.
Sai adored him, often pestering him with questions about the world beyond the forest. Even Meera, usually wary of strangers, seemed drawn to him, her mismatched eyes studying him with curiosity. 👀
But Aliamo couldn't shake the feeling that Rowan knew more than he let on.
On the third night, as the group settled around the fire, Aliamo finally confronted him. "You're not just some wanderer. Who are you really?" 🔥
Rowan smiled faintly, his gaze meeting Aliamo's. "I'm someone who's been watching over you for a long time. Longer than you realize." ⏳
Aliamo's heart raced. "That doesn't answer my question."
Rowan stood, his movements fluid despite his apparent age. "Sometimes, the answers you seek aren't ready to be found. Trust your instincts, Aliamo. They'll serve you well." 🧭
Before Aliamo could respond, Rowan turned and disappeared into the shadows of the forest, his departure as quiet as his arrival. 🌲
The following morning, as the group prepared to move on, Aliamo found something near the dying embers of their campfire. A small, black tuft of fur. 🐾
His heart clenched. "Coco?"
Chawmeow stepped beside him, her expression curious. "What is it?"
Aliamo held up the fur, his mind racing. Rowan's presence, his familiarity—it all made sense now.
But he said nothing, tucking the tuft into his pocket. 💭
As they walked deeper into the forest, Aliamo glanced over his shoulder, half-expecting to see Rowan watching them from the trees. 🌳
He didn't. But the faintest sound of a dog's bark echoed through the woods, carried on the wind. 🐕
Aliamo smiled to himself, his steps a little lighter. Wherever Rowan—or Coco—had gone, he knew they weren't truly gone.
✨ To Be Continued...