Zero

Warm Nights

In a realm where twilight kissed the horizon and the air was thick with the fragrance of cherry blossoms, two boys, Astral and Jaylen, embraced the untamed beauty of the forest.

Days had slipped away like whispers, their camp nestled amidst ancient trees that stood sentinel over their adventures. Dressed in his cozy hoodie and shorts, Jaylen exuded a youthful curiosity that danced in his bright eyes. Beside him, Astral—a figure of quiet resilience in his dusty red jacket and gray sweatpants—gripped his bow as they tread softly through the vibrant underbrush, seeking the evening's meal.

The forest shimmered, alive with hues of green and the gentle flutter of petals, as the fading light cast enchanting shadows over the landscape. As they ventured deeper, Astral's hum resonated with the spirit of the woods, a melody that wrapped around them like a protective cloak.

Hidden behind a bush, he crouched low, with Jaylen's bright gaze fixed on him, a spark of admiration igniting within. Jaylen tilted his head, intrigued by his friend's uncanny abilities. "How do you know how to do all this—fish, hunt, and skin?" he asked with a blend of wonder and admiration.

Astral turned slightly, his focus unwavering from the surroundings. "Well...before I was blinded, I did a lot of it. We grew up really poor, so we relied on it—"

"We, meaning you, Nova, and your mom?" Jaylen pressed, his posture relaxed as he sat cross-legged, a picture of youthful innocence.

Astral nodded, pushing the bush aside to peer into the depths of the forest. "Yeah... me and Nova were quite skilled at it, so I guess you just never forget." As his gaze sharpened, he spotted a deer, a majestic creature grazing unaware of the impending fate. With deliberate grace, he raised his bow, his heart steady and focused.

With Jaylen watching in awe, Astral drew back the bowstring, the world around him fading into a singular moment of clarity. In a heartbeat, the arrow soared like a whispering wind, striking true to the heart of the deer. It fell, the forest holding its breath.

Astral moved swiftly, crouching beside the fallen creature, his fingers brushing gently against its head. "Thank you," he murmured, a prayer woven with respect and gratitude, before hoisting the delicate body onto his shoulders.

Jaylen, ever the curious companion, followed closely, his head tilted in contemplation. "What was that?" he hummed, intrigued by the solemnity of Astral's gesture.

"What?" Astral replied, the weight of their shared bounty resting against him, his tail swaying gently in the fading light.

"The prayer?" Jaylen's voice held a hint of wonder as he matched Astral's pace.

"It's a gift. Why not thank God for the life we took to sustain us?" Astral's tone carried a wisdom beyond his years, and Jaylen nodded thoughtfully, a new understanding blossoming in his heart.

As dusk cloaked the forest in hues of violet and gold, the boys returned to their modest camp. Astral set to work, expertly skinning the deer and hanging it from a sturdy branch, while the discarded remnants of their hunt found a welcome recipient in Hallow, the sleek black cat, who purred with delight at her unexpected feast.

Jaylen busied himself with the fire, arranging sticks and logs with the precision of a master craftsman. With a spark struck from stone, flames flickered to life, casting a warm glow that danced in their eyes and chased away the encroaching shadows.

the aroma of roasting meat danced through the air. The rich scent mingled harmoniously with the earthy fragrance of damp moss and wildflowers, as Astral, a young and spirited adventurer, meticulously prepared a well-deserved meal.