The White Wolf (Book 1/3)

Chapter 4 (9 years old)

The days seem like they are going on repeat. Doctors checking my vitals, Mother visiting, and pain, lots of pain. 

I haven't seen T'Challa or Shuri in a while. Mother won't allow them to see me. She's worried they might make something go wrong. I've only seen Mother, Father, and Doctors. Lots and lots of Doctors. But sometimes, I can hear Shuri crying outside of my chambers. 

I haven't left my bed in this series of time either. Im too weak to move. Luckily, Mother stays with me the majority of the day. 

She's worried something bad will happen. I can tell by her face. 

It hurts to sleep sometimes. I'm a little afraid that if I fall asleep, I'll never wake up again. At the moment, I was half awake. Mother sits next to me and holds my hand. 

The door opens and closes softly as someone enters my chambers. "And how is my ingcuka encinane?" little wolf. The voice of Father asks as I feel his hand lightly stroke my cheek. 

Mother sighs. "T'Chaka, I'm worried." Her voice shaking. "It's been more than 2 months.  Do you think we should bring him to a doctor in the outside world?" 

"And what? Have them do the same thing we have been doing but slower? Have them take him away from us? No." Father said firmly. "He has a much better chance here than out there." 

"But..." Mother pulls her voice into a whisper. "But what if he dies, T'Chaka?" I see tears begin to flow down her face. I whimper as a tear falls down my face. 

I don't want to die. 

"Shh." Father hushes me as his hand wipes the tear from my cheek. "It'll be okay." I can't tell if it's father telling me this, or Mother, but it comforts me nonetheless. "Come. Let's leave him to rest." 

Mother tries all she can to argue but I guess the face Father gives her makes her surrender. A pair of lips and something scratchy brush against my forehead. Father. Then, soft lips hit my forehead. Mother. 

I hear the door close softly behind them as they leave. Eventually, tiredness takes over and I fall asleep.

🐺

The next morning, surprisingly I didn't feel any pain. I just felt extremely tired. I removed the air mask from my face and sat up. I hung my feet off my bed. I felt normal. Healthy again. I slowly walk out of my chambers. My walking was a little wobbly due to being in bed for two months. I make my way to the dining room for breakfast. I was starving. 

I stop at the doorway when a maid notices me. She's carrying a tray, probably heading to my room. She screams in terror as she drops what must be my breakfast. 

"Hunter!" Shuri yells happily. She stands in her seat to look at me, waving her hand madly. T'Challa leans over in his seat. His eyes filled with shock. I'm guessing Father told him what was wrong, him being fifteen and all. 

"Hunter, what.." Mother trails off as she stands up. Father stands from his side of the table. Both of their chairs scrap against the floor. 

I turn to face Mother first. "Hey Mother, can I have some eggs and bacon for breakfast? I'm tired of that mushy oatmeal." I say in a simple voice. "Oh, and some fruit." 

That's when Mother fainted. 

🐺

"So, the 2 months of rest must have payed off," The doctor says while staring at the holographic scan of my lungs. "The Influenza is completely gone."

I sit on an examination table. Mother and Father standing on either side of me. 

"So, he has been cured?" father asks urgently. The doctor glances at me. "All of his scans show he's fine. His lungs are completely healthy." 

"So, he's okay now?" Mother asks, her hand lightly stroking my hair. The doctor nods his head. Mother smiles ear to ear. She wraps me in a big bear hug. Once she releases me from her grasp, her face turned to worry. "Hunter, these were the most terrifying two months in my life. Don't ever scare me like that again." She rests her forehead on mine. I chuckle. "I love you, Mother." 

"I love you, too."