When will we learn?

A Mother's Love

The wind whistled in her ears. It stung her eyes as she ran as fast as she can. She jumped over giant roots and leaves hit her as she made her way through the thick forest. Yet she did not experience the freedom that comes with running. Instead she felt fear. The all consuming and mind numbing fear that originated from deep within her heart. 

Voices became apparent as the trees thinned and tall grasses became thicker. A gunshot rang through the air. Smoke curled like a snake poised to attack. Her heart quickened. She ran harder, her muscles flexing and aching as she pressed herself to reach her children before they did. 

The two legged creatures were dangerous and were resented by the other creatures that took shelter in the forest. She had seen them killing her friends who were unfortunate to get noticed. Many other creatures had fallen to fate's cruelty. She didn't want her children to end up the same way. They hadn't even experienced life to the fullest. Her chest constricted. 

She skirted to a stop when she was completely camouflaged by the tall paper grass. The wind blew slightly but otherwise the atmosphere was silent. Only the talk of the cruel creature could be heard. Her cubs were not making any noise. She could feel her stomach churning. Were they-? No. She won't let herself believe that. 

A sudden scramble and a little growl caught her attention. Fortunately, they were still alive. She heaved a sigh of relief. Unfortunately, it seemed to catch the creature's attention too. They moved swiftly towards the source, the thing in their hand aimed at it. She reacted a split second before it happened. 

She jumped, her feet kicking off from the ground and she turned on her side as something pierced her thick light brown hide. But pain did not register. A ferocious growl rumbled from her throat. No one dared touch her cubs, not as long as she was alive. She lunged at them, intent on tearing them apart. Her claws punctured one's chest. Her teeth ripped out a throat. 

By now her cubs knew something was wrong. Seeing the strange creatures, they ran, just like their mother told them to if they ever saw one. Hiding and camouflaged by tall grasses and a huge Boulder, they waited for their mother to come hide with them. They knew she would protect them. They stood in silence, anxiety coiling around them. 

There was a threatening growl and more ripping sounds. There was a single bang. Silence descended. A beat later, thudding feet could be heard. They peered around the Boulder to see their mother nowhere in sight and the remaking two creatures running away life their life depended on it. 

They ran in the direction they last saw their mother. They reached there, panting and puffing partly due to the worry gnawing at their hearts. Their little toes slowly inched towards their mother, who was lying on the ground. 

Her chest moved rapidly to stay alive as long as possible. She could feel her cubs' tears against her hide as they realised  what was happening. She tried to speak but every breath hurt her with the effort to take in air. Instead she nudged her cubs one by one, all her love and her promise shown to them. They understood. 

"I'll always be with you. Stay safe." 

Then nothing could be heard except for the cubs who howled in pain for the one most beloved to them was gone. The animals in their vicinity bowed their heads. This was yet another tragedy that struck their land. 

That night a single star shone brighter. 

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