Journey In The Wild

3

I have no appetite for lunch or supper, so I walk outside the cave. This is the first time I come out of the cave, with twinkling lights in the sky, making different patterns.

There is one that looks like Mama.

Stars. And constellations.

The words just came out, like that's their name.

There is another one that looks like me, at least what I think I look like.

Just as I was admiring the stars and the tree's shadows when the darker part of the woods moved.

I take a step back.

Mama? I call, but of course, I am mute. I can't even whimper.

I back away more, fear rimming my vision.

Breathing sharply, I realize the shape has Mama's ears, and everything about it is familiar except for its jagged fur.

I hear voices from inside the cave, directing me outside.

Cador, bring our son in, we have to talk, Mama says.

Cador? Or better question, our son?

I follow the mysterious bear inside.

As soon as my eyes adjust to the darkness, Mama speaks up.

Puryl, this is Papa, your father. Cador, this is your youngest son.

Papa reels up on me.

Why aren't you saying anything? I can hear your siblings' chatter from here!

I look down.

Ursa, explain this! Growls Papa.

I didn't listen as Mama explained my situation, but I could tell being 'mute' was pretty serious from the pained expression on Papa's face.

The rest of the night, I try to chill as Papa screams at Mama.

But I figured out Mama's name!

And I will name the bear constellations after her: Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.

I wake up in the morning to a strange glow from the cave entrance.

The light was orange with red mixed in.

Mama is still sleeping so I'm going to take a walk.

Birds chirped and leaves rustled as I dove deeper into the forest. I made sure to remember my way back, even though all of the trees looked the same.

And then, out of nowhere, a little animal with tan fur popped out.

It has long, soft ears and a rather pink nose. Its tail is as short as Mama's, and it looks as curious as I am.

I took a careful step towards it.

It takes one towards me.

I want to cuddle and embrace the rabbit, but my stomach growls loudly.

And I know I have to eat.

So at the last second, I pounce with all my might, trapping the bunny with my sharp claws.

It squirms under my paws, and several birds fly away in the process.

I feel bad, but I can't let go. My instincts take over and I bite the rabbit on the neck, ending its pain.

It stops moving.

You're a natural! I hear a voice I recognize as Papa's. I believe you aren't a disappointment after all.

I want to celebrate my victory of impressing my father, but I can't bring myself to.

I wonder why.

I follow Papa back to the cave, with the bunny dangling from my mouth.

I eat it, still depressed.

But why?

And then it hit me.

I took away a life.

I am a natural.

I am a murderer.