Beloved Savage

A New Friend?

He was taller and slimmer than Adahy. His smile and eyes radiated peace and kindness. I didn't want to be rude but at the same time, I didn't trust him.

I didn't realize I was staring at him for some time before he awkwardly coughed.

"Oh...my bad," I whisper embarrassingly. I really didn't want to talk to him so I try to escape the potential conversation, "um, I got-t to g-go!!"

I quickly stand up and turn my back to him but as I go to move, the painful fire licked up my leg and I winced. I went to keep going but a firm hand wrapped itself around my wrist.

"You're hurt," he states.

"I'm fine," I tell him frustratingly as I attempt to pull my hand out of his grasp.

"No, you're not. Please. Let me help you."

I stare at him once again. I know my leg is still healing and needs to be attended to, but I couldn't show the local healer because then questions I can't answer would arise... The pain was also beginning to be unbearable.

"Please," he repeats as he eyes me with concern, "I'm the son of the medicine man. I can help you."

My mind is in a debate with itself, but in the end, I oblige and nod my head. 

He points at the rock and tells me to take a seat. He sits across from me with my legs facing him.

He looks up at me, "May I take a look? "

I nod once again. 

As he raises up my dress to see the wound, I look to the side in embarrassment. I felt as if I was losing my respect and honor by him seeing so much of me...

"Adahy did a good job..." he says, more to himself.

I watch him slowly and don't question his actions. His hands are delicate and work diligently. It was clear that he knew what he was doing. He pulled some bottles from his bag that I presume are medicine and apply them upon my open wound.

I sigh with satisfaction as one of the ointments brings me relief and takes away much of the pain. He looks up at me and smiles.

"Better? "

I smile sincerely back, "Much better, thank you."

He proceeds to wrap up my leg and pulls my dress down confirming that he was finished. He handed me one of the bottles and I look up at him in confusion.

"This is willow bark ointment. It helps relieve the pain. Apply no more than twice daily."

What he did for me I definitely did not expect. I was rude to him and he still helped me...

I looked down and state, "I really appreciate your help...um..."

"Degataga," he affirms his name with a small smile.

I offer a smile back. "Degataga. I really appreciate your help. Thank you for helping my wound and for the medicine."

"Of course. It is the least I could do. He is sincerely worried about you-"

"He?" I interrupt him.

He looks into my eyes, "Why yes, Adahy... he feels terrible about what happened-"

"Well, tell him it wasn't his fault but mine," I reply in annoyance.

He tilts his head and looks at me, "He doesn't see it that way."

"Well then please convey a message to him that I'm perfectly fine. I can take care of myself!" I say a little bitterly.

I know that my frustration was unjustified... It's just what happened yesterday really took a toll on me. It wasn't his fault but I wanted someone to blame. And so I blamed myself.

He looks down and doesn't respond.

I sigh, "I'm sorry."

He smiles at me reassuringly, "It's okay. You've been through a lot."

I felt like he was looking at me as if I was weak and fragile. I hated those words. I was anything but. Some women fear the fire while others simply become it... and I would rather walk alone in the darkness than follow anyone else's shadow.

I nod at him, "I must go home. It is getting late," and swiftly turn around to leave.

But behind me, he says one more thing.

"He's right you know? You really are different..."

I close my eyes and take a breath.

Then when opening them, I simply walk away.