Wolfing the red hood hunter

Challenges of the past

A warm light invades Alex's house, after all, there were no curtains. He struggles to get up, but soon starts to stretch and crack the joints.
The hunter dresses, and heads towards the nearest village, which is a few hours away - by foot - and observes some changes, since he hadn't returned to the village for over a month. the houses that had a simple and minimalist style had multiplied, commerce seemed more lively, even in the middle of the tense winter. Looking forward he could see the watchtower almost being finished, he couldn't help but let a satisfied sigh.

A small girl with freckles approaches him holding a basket full of fur.
- Alex! How long has it been? I thought you wouldn't be coming back. Speaks the last phrase in a sad tone.

- Ava... Sorry, unfortunately things haven't worked out for the best, i will make some regular visits as long as my family doesn't catch me.

- I understand... She takes a pause. Actually i don't, your family is really stubborn! They prefer to lose a son instead of accepting his differences!

Alex gives a faint smile. - yeah.

- anyways, what brings you here? She tries to change the topic

- I've got to buy some more arrows. He says bluntly, but little did Ava knew he was lying. He came just because he missed home, it was hard to stay away, to forget everything about this place and start a new life in the woods. But slowly the reasons that made him run were coming back.

His parents and brothers always thought Alex was weird, didn't speak much, never got in trouble, always very close with the girls but not in an intimate way, it was as if he was one of them. Liking the same things. Such little reason was enough to cause an uproar. He's corrupted, they said. He's tempted by the devil, they said. But in truth Alex wasn't even catholic to start with, how could he be tempted by something he didn't believe in?

His family couldn't stand it, they sent him away with some few things so he could survive alone, such a crude decision. No one interfered, everyone just watched as he parted to his most probable death in the forest, all alone.
Contrary to their expectations, he survived and even made friends with the so feared big wolf.

After trading some goods, Alex trots away from the village, hiding his face, and saying his most definitely goodbyes.

No sooner he reached the wolf's house, without even thinking, he simply spaced out and went there, maybe because it was a safe place he could relax. There was no one inside, as expected since he recently discovered Mars works as a teacher. He covers his face hiding away his lonely feelings, and goes hunting, this time, deeper in the forest.

Today Alex was lucky, he caught tons of preys. Yet it wasn't enough to keep his heart warm, there was something missing, maybe visiting the village wasn't a good idea, it awakened deep memories that caused a longing for a time that never comes back. never.

He quickly leaves again for Mars's house, this time at the right time for dinner. The wolf welcomes him as always, but the hunter, upset, can barely manage a smile.
- Oh dear, did something happen?
- No, it was nothing, don't mind me.
They proceeded to have the most silent dinner ever.
Mars sits besides Alex.
- I know something is up, so take your time and tell me when you're ready, maybe i can help. Says in a sugarcoated tone.
The hunter sighs, and take some minutes to look Mars in the face.
- just... The past haunting me, it happens to everyone, you don't need to get so serious. the hunter pats the wolf's hair. - I just need a distraction.

Mars understands the situation better, and gets up. - then, i have a surprise prepared for you.

- didn't see that coming - Chuckles.
- that's why it's called surprise - Reply the wolf. Alex rolls his eyes then watches as his companion puts on a thick coat and opens the door.