Chapter 20: Apollo help his mother in the farm
"Mother, I'm done collecting weeds and feeding the pig," Apollo announced, his voice tinged with the excitement of a child eager for play. "Can I play now?"
Meriam looked up from her work, her expression softening into a smile as she wiped her hands on a cloth. "Yes, of course, my love," she replied, her voice gentle and approving. "Just wash your hands and eat your lunch first."
Apollo nodded eagerly, his anticipation barely contained. He dashed towards the small wooden basin where he washed his hands with quick, splashy movements, then made his way to the simple wooden table where a modest meal awaited him. As he ate, his thoughts danced with visions of the adventures and games he would soon indulge in, his mother's love and care wrapping around him like a warm embrace.
Once he finished his lunch and cleaned up, Apollo was free to explore the world that stretched out before him, a realm of imagination and wonder, where the lines between work and play blurred into the simple joys of childhood.
Apollo and his loyal dog trotted through the forest, their steps light and purposeful. Apollo's eyes darted from leaf to leaf, searching for the elusive spider that had piqued his curiosity. His dog, a playful and attentive companion, sniffed around excitedly, adding to the sense of adventure in their forest expedition.
The forest, with its dappled sunlight and rustling leaves, was alive with the sounds of nature—until it wasn't. As Apollo rounded a bend in the path, he came upon a clearing where a group of men had set up camp. Their voices, rich with laughter and camaraderie, carried through the air, mingling with the crackling of a growing campfire.
Apollo froze, his small frame blending into the shadows as he peered from behind a cluster of bushes. The men, oblivious to his presence, went about their tasks with a casual ease. They were setting up tents, arranging supplies, and sharing stories that were punctuated with hearty laughter. Their jovial spirits and the flickering light of the campfire created a scene of comfort and warmth, starkly contrasting with the quiet solitude of Apollo's usual forest surroundings.
Meriam's teachings echoed in Apollo's mind—when encountering strangers, it was wise to remain hidden. He understood the importance of this lesson, the need to stay out of sight to ensure safety. But curiosity tugged at him, and despite his mother's warnings, he found himself unable to look away. He watched with wide eyes, taking in the details of their camp and the manner in which they interacted.
The men seemed harmless enough, their laughter genuine and their actions friendly. Yet Apollo stayed hidden, aware that his presence remained unnoticed. He observed the way they worked together, how they handled their equipment, and the way their firelight danced on their faces. It was a new and intriguing experience, a glimpse into a world beyond his familiar routines.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the forest floor, Apollo knew it was time to leave. With one last glance at the men and their camp, he signaled to his dog, and they quietly retreated into the forest, the curiosity that had driven him now mingling with the relief of returning to the safety of his known world.
Apollo burst through the forest path, his heart pounding with excitement and urgency. As he approached the familiar sight of their modest hut, he couldn't contain his excitement. He threw open the door and shouted, "Mother! Mother!"
Meriam, busy with her own chores inside, rushed out at the sound of her son's voice, her face etched with concern. She found Apollo standing on the threshold, his eyes wide and brimming with the thrill of discovery.
"What, Apollo? What happened?" she asked, her voice tinged with both worry and curiosity.
"There are people like us inside the forest!" Apollo exclaimed, his words tumbling out in a rush. "They're making fire and making colorful homes." His eyes were alight with the vivid images of the tents and the campfire he had seen.
Meriam's expression shifted from concern to alarm. She quickly assessed the situation, realizing the potential danger of their discovery. Without a moment's hesitation, she grabbed Apollo's hand and pulled him inside the hut.
"Come on, quickly!" she urged, her voice firm but gentle. She led him to a small, hidden nook behind a stack of firewood and a curtain of woven blankets that provided a makeshift barrier. With practiced speed, she covered the entrance to their hidden spot, ensuring that they were concealed from view.
Apollo's excitement was replaced by confusion and a touch of fear as he huddled close to his mother. "Why do we need to hide, Mother?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Meriam placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, her eyes meeting his with a serious, yet comforting gaze. "Sometimes, Apollo, it's important to stay hidden when there are strangers around. They might not know who we are, and it's safer for us to keep to ourselves."
Apollo nodded, his youthful understanding grappling with the weight of her words. He peered through the small gap in their hiding place, his curiosity tempered by the protective cocoon his mother had created.
As the sounds of the forest filtered through the thick walls of their shelter, Apollo clung to the hope that soon it would be safe to venture out again. For now, he took comfort in his mother's presence and the quiet protection she offered, her vigilance a shield against the unknown.
Meriam's heart pounded heavily in her chest as she huddled in the small, hidden nook with Apollo. The familiar weight of fear and anxiety settled over her like a suffocating blanket. It wasn't just the sight of strangers in the forest that stirred her unease; it was the sudden, intense rush of memories from her past that overwhelmed her.
It had been years since she had left Cana, leaving behind the chaos and danger that had marked her life there. The memories of the threats against her life, and the constant vigilance required to protect her son, surged back with startling clarity. Every sound outside the hut, every crackle of the campfire in the distance, seemed to echo the fears she had long tried to bury.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone