Mushroom Hill
Brid
“Not that way, Brid, is full of roots.” Mary took my hand, guiding me to the right, in this way, we could avoid obstacles. This trip was a bad idea on my part. I'm scared because my condition puts me in a position of vulnerability. Although my sight was not completely lost, the lack of visibility, both despaired and frustrates me. “Look out, a stone.”
“Ouch!” Very late. When I stepped on it, I was thrown off balance, making me stumble to one side. Fortunately, there was a tree near, which I was able to hold on to in time before I fell.
“UFF! Mary, that was close.”
“Girls, be more careful, please. We cannot afford to injure ourselves. We're halfway there, and the pickup and return are still to come.” Han assertively caught our attention.
“Sorry, Pa, it's my fault I didn't warn Brid in time.”
Hearing Mary blame herself made me feel bad. But Han came to the rescue. “I have an idea. Sit on that rock and wait for me for a moment. I've thought of something that might help you.”
I nodded, and let Mary guide me to where Han said. After a second, I heard some noises and some creaks. A few minutes later, Han's voice made me turn around.
“Done girls, your secret weapon, Brid.” I listened, turning my head to my side as Mary laughed out loud. This made me wonder what could it be?
Han was in front of me holding something, “Hold out your hand, Brid.” So I did. He handed me something thin and long. Seconds later I knew what it was.
“A rod?” I asked doubtfully.
“Yes, a rod, so what were you expecting?” Han laughed at my incredulity.
Indeed, I don't know what I was waiting.
“Come on, Brid, use it.”
Mary's emotion was beyond what I could understand. She pulled me by the hand, and I had to stand up.
“All you have to do is move it from right to left, gently in front of you, while you are walking. The objective is to look for an obstacle in front of you that could make you fall. It's straightforward, take your time. Practice a bit before we continue on our way.”
What Han says makes sense. Even with a bit of mistrust, I started to move the stick from side to side as he said. I was surprised at how well it alerted me to the obstacles ahead. Of course, I still needed a little help when walking through intricate paths. But with this rod, we managed to move faster.
Mary, from time to time warned me of danger in front. But we managed to reach the hill of the mushrooms without major problems.
“We are here, Brid. Pa, I see many mushrooms, many. Pa, we'll sell them in town next time we go. Look, look.”
Mary's silhouette went from place to place. I laughed at this, but my joy disappeared, when this image reminded me of a beautiful past, what now I feel was never true.
“Brid, stop, I want to show you something.” Kael's voice stopped me. I turned back and saw how he was far behind. Ignoring him, I kept running. This valley made my heart beat with happiness. The freedom I felt was immense, making me run wild.
But Kael's immense arms caught me from behind, cutting off my escape. He lifted me into the air and spun me around. Despite how dizzy I was, my laughter didn't diminish. It was one of the happiest days of my life. Never had I felt so complete. Finally, Kael put me on the ground and I turned to face him. His smile was contagious.
I couldn't believe this beautiful man was my mate. Today, I would be seventeen years old, and I couldn't wish for more in this life, but reaching eighteen. That day, I have been longingly expecting it since I first met him. Kael hugged me and lifted my face, then kissed me, gently and delicately. Such a romantic kiss, I can't imagine a better one. When we parted, he grabbed my hand and led me through a path that I had passed without realizing it. The path led us to a hill where we could see the entire valley.
This image took my breath away. It was so beautiful that a small tear escaped, rolling down my cheek. Kael hugged me from behind, wrapping me in his strong arms. We stayed like this until sunset hit. I will never forget the beauty that I witnessed that day.
Without realizing it, my eyes were filled with tears. I tried to contain them, but couldn't. So, I let them roll freely until all came out. Without attracting much attention, I wiped them with the sleeves of my jumper. Those times will not return, I should accept it by now. But my soul refuses. A small flame of hope is still burning within me. Kael is the only Werewolf who has taught me complete and total happiness. I would die for him, of that I am certain.
But now I belong to a small pack, and I will do my best to move forward with them. I am confident that this disease is curable, and I will soon regain my sight.
Kael, what are you doing? Do you think of me as I think of you? My body needs you, I'm used to you. However, another took my place, and you let that happen. That was your decision, my beloved Kael, and despite everything, I understand why you did what you did. The pack comes first and you, being the Alpha that you are, have to respect the laws.
I shook my head, trying to regain my mind. There were many mushrooms to harvest and little time. I moved the stick from one side to the other and began to advance. Until a voice that I had not heard in a long time stopped me in my tracks. Freezing my body completely.
“Mate.”
