Morl and his mother moved toward the forest, in front of a breathtaking sunset that bathed the village in golden and orange hues. People walked quietly to their homes with their children. The women moved through the streets with coordinated steps, as if they were part of a living painting.
Kandle paused for a moment, gazing at the horizon, as if something was troubling her mind.
Morl noticed and quickly tried to reassure her:
– Dad is brave, Mom. Don't worry… you said he always comes back.
Kandle smiled lightly and then said, focusing on collecting the herbs:
– True… he always comes back. He pushes himself for us, and with the rest of the village men.
Morl ran ahead of his mother, jumping with joy:
– Come on, Mom, we made it!
Kandle said lightly:
– Stop jumping, you'll spill the basket!
She began searching for the herbs carefully, while Morl sat down on the ground:
– I'll rest here… I love this place… it's so peaceful, it even makes me sleepy just thinking about it.
Kandle responded cautiously:
– Don't fall asleep here, there might be insects that bite.
Morl didn't care, leaning back on the ground:
– Alright, alright, Mom…
– Aah… ouch!
Kandle jumped quickly, worried:
– What happened?
Morl shouted in pain:
– Mom… my back… it feels like it's on fire!
His mother immediately asked:
– Where exactly is the pain, Morl?
He wriggled in agony:
– In my right shoulder… Mom!
Kandle moved quickly to check his right shoulder with careful eyes:
– I don't see any sting… maybe it's just a small insect.
Morl writhed in pain, crying:
– It really feels like someone melted my shoulder!
His mother calmed him gently, without smiling:
– Don't worry. I have some prepared herbs at home to put on it. It will get better.
Morl felt a little relief, but then received a light tap on his head that made him twist in pain again:
– Oooof!
Kandle rubbed her hands together cautiously:
– I told you not to sleep here, you stubborn child!
Morl jumped in pain:
– Sorry… sorry, Mom!
His mother approached, took Morl's hand, and placed the herbs in the basket for him to carry toward the house:
– Come on, let's go… it's getting late.
Morl held her hand tightly:
– Let's go! I'm so hungry!
Kandle said gently:
– Don't shout, everyone will hear you.
Morl smiled:
– Who cares? Come on, I want food!
They moved together toward the house, passing by the closed bakery.
Morl whispered quietly:
– I heard Mr. Kolba is sick.
Kandle smiled warmly and replied:
– Alright… we'll visit him tomorrow.
Morl jumped with excitement:
– Yes!
– What did I say about shouting?
Kandle said firmly but kindly.
– Sorry… sorry, he muttered.
They entered the house, where candles lit the windows, and calmness settled over the village, homes enjoying their soft lights.
Kandle carefully placed the medicinal herbs on his sore spot:
– There… it will get better.
Morl sat down, happily eating:
– Thank you, Mom… I love you!
His mother smiled, looking at his happy face, then gazed thoughtfully out the window:
– I hope what troubles me is just illusions…
She placed Morl in his bed on the floor beside her, while he stared at the ceiling in the darkness:
– Mom… why do they attack us?
She played with his hair gently:
– Don't worry, dear. Your father is there… and he'll teach those bullies a lesson with the other village men.
Pride shone on Morl's face:
– Yes… Dad can… he's strong and fears nothing.
Kandle smiled lightly, though slightly worried:
– Alright… now, it's time to sleep.
She gently covered him to ensure he wouldn't get cold in the chilly rural night, while Morl calmed down and drifted into peaceful sleep.