I let out a sigh of relief as the bandits slowly disappear in the distance as we are inside of a large tree trunk. I look to my right to see my adopted child, her blue eyes still shined with childlike wonder no matter what happened to us. Her long brown hair was messy and tangled from the lack of being brushed. I went to my bag and grabbed the brush as I motioned Emma over to me as I started to brush her hair.
"Emma, you stay here while I wash our clothes. I'll be back in no time." I told my child as I gave her the best smile I can give in our situation while grabbing a small woven basket and getting all of our dirty clothes. As soon as I'm far enough away from Emma I let out a sigh as I think of my life. When I was born my parents were so happy since they been trying for so long, but they were worried when they saw what was on my left hand. A dragon birthmark that was a brilliant scarlet color that seemed to shine in the light like real scales. So as any other normal parent would do they went to find out why I had this mark on my hand. They went from doctors to elders in the village and those around till they met an old lady that happened to be a witch who told them of the cursed kingdom. I still can't believe it, I'm a reincarnation of a princesses dead lover and I can either help them or not. It's a lot to think about especially when I have a child with me and if I decide to help them where will that leave Emma in all of this. Will she still love me or will she leave me behind like my parents.
'No, I can't think like that.' I thought as I shook my head. I continue to the river we saw while running away from the bandits. I put down the woven basket as I start to clean them of the grime that is all over. I wring the clothes and leave them to dry a bit on a branch. I waited half an hour before grabbing the clothes and wringing them out one last time as I walked as fast as possible back to Emma.
'Hope she is still safe.' I thought as I started to run to the tree. When I got there Emma was safe and sound.
'Good.' I thought as I let out a sigh of relief, 'She ok no need to worry.'
" Emma, are you hungry?" I asked, already walking over to the bag.
"No, I'm not hu.." Emma started to say before her stomach let out a growl.
"There's no point in lying to me," I said while looking through the bag. There were just 2 ripe apples and a piece of stale bread left. I grab the apples and give them to Emma.
"Eat the apples, I'll get more food soon," I said as I bite into the stale bread while smiling at Emma to show her I'll be ok. Emma starts eating the apples and soon there are no apples left but her stomach is still growling. I ripped off the piece of bread I bit and gave the rest to Emma. She gave me a worried look but ate the bread without any complaints. Emma started to close her eyes little by little till I lay her down on some old blankets and placed a newer one on top of Emma. I waited a while to make sure Emma was asleep before I left to gather more food for us for the week.
