THE HAWKEYE'S JOURNEY

Chapter 6 - Story of an Empath

Alfred Smith was just an average little kid who lived with an average happy family.

However, on a day when he was still 5 years old, he lost his mother, Rosa Smith, in a robbery incident. The robbers broke to their house, taking some money and treasury. His mother, who just happened to pass by for going to the restroom, was killed immediately by them.

When he and his father, Oliver Smith, woke up and went there to see what was going on, the robbers immediately threatened to kill them if they didn't let them take any money and treasury.

After the robbers went out, they could only fall to their knees in front of Rosa's bloodied corpse. The little Alfred could only cry, sobbing on Oliver's hug.

He grew up being an independent kid. He could do almost every kind of chores. Oliver never forced him to do chores. In fact, Oliver instead wanted Alfred to enjoy his life as a child. It was Alfred who always insisted on helping. If Oliver declined, Alfred would protest, "Father always cares for me, showing me so many new things. So, why can't I at least help to lift a little bit of your burden?"

He and Oliver continued living happily despite the tragic event happened to them.

However, the tragic story didn't end there.

When Alfred was 9 years old, Oliver's health suddenly worsened. A few months later, he was laid on his bed.

Alfred was confused. He didn't know what to do for Oliver's disease. His country, Blumund, was just a small country and fairly retarded. The domination of Falmuth, a kingdom to the north of Blumund, over the trade routes made the situation worse. The potion from Dwargon couldn't enter Blumund because of them, meanwhile the herbs medicine made by local pharmacists didn't show any slight effects.

One day, Alfred's uncle and aunt, Freddie Evans and Natalia Evans, came for an annual visit they usually did in autumn. Freddie was Oliver's best friend and Natalia was Oliver's younger sister.

How surprised they were after learning that Oliver was already in severe condition.

They immediately changed their plan staying a few days to staying and helping until Oliver got better.

A month passed.

Oliver's condition just got worse.

Freddie decided to go to Dwargon to get some potions. He couldn't bear seeing his best friend in this condition and now was ready to take any risks to save his life.

They waited and waited.

A month passed.

Freddie still didn't come home.

Until on a night of full moon, Oliver called out his son and his younger sister.

Under the moon's illumination, he began to speak hoarsely. "It was really a happy life with all of you."

"Dad," said Alfred, holding his hand, "what do you mean by 'it was'? We still can continue living happily just like before. I believe it!"

Oliver ignored it and kept continuing. He turned his head to Natalia. "My younger sister, always love your husband. He's the best for you and will stay like that forever. And please tell him my apologies. And my son,"—he turned his head to Alfred and gently wiped Alfred's tears that unconsciously flew down his cheeks, smiling. "The world is always harsh. Cursing it will be no use. Endure and keep going forward. It's the only thing we can do. If you have power, never be silent if you see injustice being done to the others."

He coughed several times and his breaths became very short.

He continued with a lower and hoarser voice. "I love all of you."