Deep within the swamp, Agwé lives a peaceful life among his family and animal friends, with whom he shares a special gift. That is, until his life is torn asunder and he is driven from his home by the voodoo spirits. Lost and alone, he wanders the...
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As unforgettable as this experience was, the urge to find Mama became overwhelming. Wrapping my arms around Damballa, I bid farewell to my friend, but with the reassurance that we would see each other again. With that, I surfaced from the water and entered a blistering sprint towards Lagras. Less than a mile to go now.
What had Mama been up to these past seven years? And what had changed that it was finally deemed time for me to return? My mind pondered these questions as I ran, but snapped back to the present when I realized I was being followed. Whoever it was, they were incredibly stealthy. I only caught brief flashes of the dark figure between the thick trees, speeding alongside me as I ran. I came to a sudden stop on the path.
"I see you out there, fella. Please show yourself. I mean you no harm," I spoke calmly into the trees.
It took a few moments, but slowly a pair of black tufted ears emerged from the grass, followed by a set of brilliant emerald eyes I would have recognized anywhere.
"Ay...Ayida?"
Dropping to my knees, my dear panther launched herself into my arms before I even reached the ground. Licking me frantically, I held her tightly against my chest. Though I had allowed myself to hope, I honestly wasn't sure if she would still be alive. She was quite old at this point for a panther and had to be nearing the end of her lifespan. Yet here she stood. Looking as majestic in her matured age as ever. Ayida felt more to me like a sibling than a pet, and I was beyond happy to be reunited with her.
After a few more moments of affection, she signaled that she had somewhere to lead me, so I followed at once. It felt just like old times, sprinting through the swamp at top speed, hurdling over the logs and shrubbery in our wake. Before too long, we reached our destination. A quiet, secluded corner of the bayou, with a small, mossy rock formation nestled into the side of a hill. This must be her den. She wouldn't have led me here, unless...
I walked with reverence towards the mouth of the den, where Ayida stood with pride. She let out a mighty growl, which echoed deep within. A pair of emerald eyes broke through the darkness of the cave, followed by another pair. And another. I gasped as the cats timidly entered into the light. These were Ayida's cubs alright. Nearly full grown, and each appearing powerful in their own right. Two females and one male, by the looks of it.
With their mother's assurance, the panthers warmed quickly to my presence, bounding and playing in a way that immediately reminded me of a young Ayida. Seeing her life come full circle was a truly amazing experience. That she was willing, even eager, to introduce me to her cubs, was a demonstration that she still trusted me fully after all these years. I did not take that lightly. We played in that quiet glade for an hour or so, reuniting bonds and forming new ones too.
"It was wonderful to see you again, my friend, and your beautiful family too. But the sun is due to set soon and I really need to find my own Mama. I will come find you again soon, I promise."
