The Hunting

Epilogue

            Today is the day... Today is the day that Javier leaves. That was my first thought as I rolled out of bed. Looking across the room, I saw that Timmy had already left our room. I sighed as I stretched. As I got ready for the day, there was a sense of melancholy. My movements were sluggish in comparison to my whirlwind of a brain. So many thoughts were going through my head. I talked to Javier and Nate. They both took it surprisingly well.

A couple of days ago, I talked to both Javier and Nate separately about my feelings. It was not easy, but I needed to get everything off my chest before Javier left. Thinking about it now, they both were so understanding. I decided to focus on myself and my family. After taking a step back and evaluating myself, I realized that I was not in a good place mentally. I was continuously having nightmares, getting little to no sleep. Timmy was also having nightmares where he would wake up screaming because of the horrors he went through at the scavenger's camp. Although he's opening up to us slowly, the only person he trusts is my dad. Going on this journey made me realize how important family is and they are my top priority.

When I told Javier, he hugged me saying that he would give anything to spend a moment with his parents. Nate and I also hugged. I don't know why, but what he said keeps replaying in my mind. He said, "I realized how much I missed my family too because of this. However, I want you to know that I have been waiting on you for years, I don't mind waiting a bit longer."

I snapped out of it and started thinking about the day ahead. I need to make sure they have all equipment they need – oh shoot! I knew I was forgetting something. I ran outside to our storage area, which was near our cooking area. My mom and Timmy were outside, and she greeted me with a smile. I've noticed that she has been smiling a lot more recently. It's probably because of dad and Timmy. I went to our crates and started rifling through them. Where is it? I swear I left it in here. "What are you looking for Arden?" Timmy questioned.

"Uh – the thing I made for Javier." I bashfully sputtered, not looking up from the crate.

"Oh, I have it here! I was worried that it would be crushed considering how fragile it is and how hard you worked on it." My mom stated.

I walked over to her as she placed it in my hand. I looked down at it. My mother wrapped it up with a little piece of fabric. I made Javier a bracelet made from rabbit bones and string. The rabbit was actually one that he caught when Nate, Conner, and I took the hunters outside the wall to look for small game. I had Diana save the bones for me and I have been working on it for a couple of days.

After a quick breakfast, I ran to the center. The hunters, Nate, my dad, and the rest of my friends were already there when I arrived. Tatum was the first one to notice me, "About time Arden! We were waiting for you."

I scratched the back of my head nervously, "Sorry."

I looked at everyone. Calum, Pietra, and Javier all had bags and weapons on them. Looks like they have everything they need. Calum clapped his hands, "Now that we have everyone, let's get headed towards the gate."

As we started walking, I went to Javier's side. He looked down at me and gave me a gentle smile. I blushed lightly, moving the gift from one hand to the other. Why am I so nervous? As usual, Javier caught on to my movements. "What's wrong?" he questioned.

I looked at the gift in my hand, "Um – I -I made you this." I thrust it towards Javier, gently hitting him in his side with it.

He chuckled at me and grabbed it from me. He unwrapped it gently. I saw his eyes soften as he held it up, "You made this?"

"Uh – yeah. I made it from the rabbit you got the other day. I just thought that it would be a nice memento of the Burrow."

Another chuckle, "Just the Burrow?"

My face got even redder, "Yes! Just the Burrow!"

"Okay, I'll believe you." He slipped on the bracelet. I took a breath of relief. Thank goodness it fits him.

When we reached the gate, it was already open wide. A couple of people were loitering around. Knowing the people of the Burrow – they are probably just here to watch. I heard Javier sigh next to me. I turned to face him. Before either of us could say anything, Tatum clapped him on the shoulder, "It was nice to meet you, Javier, I sure hope you guys come back soon."

Javier gave him a quick nod, "I hope so too."

More people surrounded Javier, telling him goodbye. I frowned. "What are you upset that people are taking up your time with him?"

"No! It's just that – "

"Hey, no need to get defensive." Pietra slung her arm over my shoulders. "I know that he is the only person you're going to miss. Don't get soft while I'm gone okay. If you do, we'll need to go for another round. I'll know not to underestimate you this time."

I laughed lightly, "I'll miss you too Pietra and it's you that will grow soft – not me."

Pietra laughed with me, "In your dreams Arden!"

I watched her as she walked over to Don and Conner. Don was already crying as he pulled Pietra in for a hug. I couldn't see her face, but I am pretty sure Pietra was crying too. I don't blame them for crying; this will be the first time that they will be separated from each other. It was a tough decision, but Don decided to stay here at the Burrow.

My attention got pulled away when I heard someone call my name. I turned around to see Calum walking towards me. When he reached me, he looked over at the two siblings. He sighed, "This is tough for me to say this, but I think Don staying is a good decision."

I raised my eyebrow, "Really? Why do you think that?"

He turned his attention to me, "We could all tell that Don was struggling. The hunter life is not for the kind-hearted and Don is the epitome of that. After Pietra and I started our relationship and goodness knows Javier is not a conversationalist, it was lonely for him. All of us are just glad that he is happy here."

I looked back at them to see Pietra walking away from the pair. Don was still crying, but Conner was rubbing his back in consolation. Calum nudged me with his elbow and walked to meet up with Pietra. I turned to see if I could find Javier, only to see him talking to my dad. I walked over to them, but before I got there, they started hugging. I stood next to them as they wrapped up their conversation. My dad coughed, "Well, I need to say goodbye to the other two. Be safe Javier."

A simple thanks is all Javier said to my dad. I looked at Javier with a sad smile as he turned his attention to me. He pulled me into a hug, without a second thought. I squeezed him as I tried to bottle up my emotions. You can't cry now, you big baby. I don't know how long we were hugging before he finally pulled away. He tilted my chin up and gave me a quick kiss on my forehead. I heard Calum behind me say that it was time to go. Javier and I looked at each other. He bent down to whisper in my ear, "Just because I'm leaving doesn't mean that the bastard needs to get cocky. Make sure to put him in his place if you need to."

I broke out into a choked laugh. Javier let go of me and joined the other two by the entrance of the gate. They turned back one last time to wave at us before stepping out of the Burrow and walking out of sight.