The Great Journey to Refuge

Overcoming Challenges

Three days have passed... We were well adapted to our new home, which I hope will be permanent because here I don't suffer from the heat and I don't have to go far to climb a tree. The water here shines brightly at night when the moon appears on it, and there is a good view of the stars... There is a constellation of stars that I like to see whenever it appears, it's a great place to live here.

Taya!! Taya!! Taya!! Wake up quickly, please!!!-My sister Tayla shouts.

Hey... Calm down... What's wrong, Tayla? Did something bad happen?-I ask.

I don't know, but Dad is calling you to talk to him, and after he finishes, he said you should train with our grandparents and uncles, and after that, he said you should rest.-She says.

Okay, but don't stay here alone, call Aunt Nia or Aunt Shena or our grandmothers since Mom and the others went hunting.-I say, going to where my dad was.

Alright...-She says.

Dad... What do you want to talk to me about?-I ask.

Well... Taya, I've been thinking about something... And... I really think that starting tomorrow, you can come with me on the patrols of our territory...-He says.

Are you serious, Dad?-I ask.

Yes, Taya, and that's why you will be trained, in case I need help, you can assist me.-He says with a smile.

Yayyyy... Finally, I'll be able to see you patrolling.-I say excitedly.

Now go, there will be a long training today.-He says.

Okay, Dad.-I say, getting ready to leave.

Dad...-I say.

Yes, Taya?-He says.

Can you teach me how to roar?-I ask, smiling.

Of course, Taya...-He says happily.

Thank you, Dad. You will be proud of me.-I say, walking away.

I'm already proud of you, my son...-He thinks.

I hope you're right about this, Thando. I don't think he's the lion you told me about, I've heard of other lions who were born like this, and as adults, the spots disappeared.-My dad says.

I know that, but remember, we'll have the answer in his fourth month of life.-Thando says, leaving from where he was hiding.

I arrive where my uncles and grandparents were, and they were waiting for me to show up. As soon as I got closer, they told me what training I would have. After they finished telling me, we spent 2 hours training, they asked me to rest, but we would train more tomorrow.

I arrived at my favorite spot to rest, it wasn't yet night, but noon is a good time to enjoy the water. In this hot moment, cold water like this feels good. After 5 minutes, I get out of the water and see my 7 cousins talking. I go to them to listen to their conversation.

What are we going to eat today?-Azi asks.

I don't know, but I don't want to eat another oryx or kudu.-Says Nara.

But they taste so good, it makes my mouth water.-Says Jata.

That's true, but eating them for 3 days in a row isn't that good. It could be a zebra or a wildebeest.-Says Niara.

Yeah... But it could also be a buffalo or a gazelle.-Says Nailah.

That would be nice.-Says Janna.

But we have to understand that hunting is difficult.-Says Hadiya.

Very much so, but something new to eat should come today.-I say.

They all get startled after hearing me speak.