Dazzling Dust

The Search

After we have plotted the traps and snares in various locations, we decided to call it a day.

Lorenzo and I have made a deal several years ago regarding the division of the game. We have agreed that it is to be divided equally, both the meat and the proceeds.

Every two days, we would come and visit the snares to check if it has caught something. Rabbits and chickens were normally our traps' captives. It is not very often that a deer is caught. But when the snares did, we celebrated it. Lorenzo is the one in-charge of slaughtering the poor animal and I am the one assigned in cleaning the meat and making sure that no blood will be left so that it will look nice and presentable.

After we have prepared the venison, we would go to the pub just across the headquarters of the Rankies to sell our game. The woman named Lilian, whom we traded, would give us money depending on the quality of the meat. After all these years of trading with her, I can say that she is pretty fair with our transactions.

With the money we earned, Lorenzo and I would go to Old Pete, an old man who is formerly a Ranky. He owns a bakeshop and a store. Fine pastries and fresh milk were our usual purchase from his shop. When Old Pete is in his best mood, he would give us free bread, which is technically the burnt ones, well, a burnt loaf is still a loaf.

After we bought the foods we considered luxurious, we would count the money left and divide it equally and head to Lorenzo's hut. We would surprise little Miguel, who is patiently waiting inside the hut, for his favorites. I would have my dinner in their house and when we are done, Lorenzo would accompany me on my way home.

"So guess we'll see you tomorrow?", Lorenzo said.

We are now at the front of the hut.

"Can we stay a little bit longer?", Miguel complained.

"No, we must head home now", Lorenzo answered.

"Laura here is tired and she needs to rest", he explained.

Did he just low-key described me as a weakling?

"I'm not tired yet,", I said.

"See brother? Can we go later?", Miguel said, eyes pleading.

"But you should go now", I continued, my voice so plain.

I was sure that Lorenzo did not expect my response because his face clearly shows that he is shocked. Maybe because the normal me would suggest and supported Miguel's idea for them to stay a while longer.

If he don't want my company anymore, hell yeah, me too!

I don't know what he's thinking but I'm sure, it has something to do with Claire.

"The sun will be out any minute now", I said while looking at the sky and pretending that I am not mad.

"You alright Laura?", Miguel asked me.

I breathe and intentionally exhale loudly, looking at Miguel and to Lorenzo.

"Yes I'm alright", I answered.

Lorenzo grabbed Miguel's shoulder, preparing to leave.

"See you tomorrow?", Lorenzo asked.

"Sure see you tomorrow", I replied.

I don't know what is wrong, why I'm feeling this feeling! Was this because he portrayed me as weak or I'm just jealous!?

Sure it's not the former because I know I am not a shallow person. Was this really due to my jealousy to that faceless Claire?

They waved at me and I waved back.

As soon they faced south to head home, I opened the door of my lonely hut and got inside.