Buttercup

Chapter 3 Satang's advice

Chapter 3 Satang's advice

'Fourth, can you show me how to tie this reef knot?' says Gem to Fourth, who is particularly quiet today.

And Gem's gaze is so insistent.

So much is left unsaid as they are surrounded by all the others. Today they have to prove their ability to work in a team. Two long ropes, a tarp, a knife and nature itself should be enough to build a night camp.

In the middle of the day and without saying a word.

Of course Pride had jumped right to Gem's side. She would have spent the night with Gem even without a camp.

Gem was just relieved that there was another boy on his team. He may only be 12 years old, but he was big enough to be a buffer. Pride was really getting on his nerves. He still remained friendly, but felt constantly disturbed in his plans.

These plans were to finally get Fourth to warm up to him again.

Four days had passed and Fourth remained aloof and often just disappeared for several hours.

Gem tried to engage him in a conversation, but that turned out to be quite a challenge.

All those activities.

So many people constantly interacting and wanting to be heard.

Gem's mind was somewhere else and Pride had made it his business to snap him out of his trance every time.

He had mental conversations with Fourth, asking him what was wrong. He fantasised about possible answers. Sometimes they argued, sometimes everything happened very quickly. And always, they finally went together into the forest to their river.

Gem's daydreams whirled wildly in his mind as he gathered firewood, examined plants or washed the dishes by hand in ice-cold water.

He had been away for a year and yet felt closer to Fourth than he did now.

The 'Buttercup' had welcomed him, but its son avoided him.

What had happened?

Why this strangely cold mood between them?

'Gem, I'll help you! Let me dry!' Pride had to find and touch him again.

Otherwise he wouldn't have heard her anyway.

It often happened that the others addressed him and he didn't even notice.

His eyes searched for Fourth and his mind sought the final discussion.

And so it came about that Satang pulled him aside that morning and asked directly.

'Gem, you seem distracted. What's going on?' He showed empathy, and Gem broke down.

'Phi, I'm really at a loss!' he sighed deeply, "Fourth and I developed a really special friendship last year. And I wrote him a letter every week. Every week!" he repeated, "We were both waiting to see each other again. But since I've been here, he's just ignored me!" his lips pouted unhappily.

'He's not ignoring you!' Satang protested. "He's just busy with all the young people here. He doesn't have time to pay special attention to you," he explained calmly. "Last year you were injured and he stayed by your side. Unfortunately, he lost sight of important things. And you know how that ended!" He was genuinely sorry for the pain that arose in Gems eyes.

Both fell silent and felt the shock of these shadow times.

'I think he just wants to be especially careful this year. And that includes keeping an eye on the whole group. Not just pampering the spoiled brat!' Satang grinned suddenly and winked at Gem. He wanted to cheer him up and tried to find the way through humour.