Mateo crouched in the tall grass, bow in hand, eyes fixed on a lone deer grazing nearby. The
wind carried the scent of wet earth and the faint trace of danger, but he had learned to
move silently. One wrong step, and the deer—or something far worse—would notice. He
drew a steady breath, nocked his arrow, and released. The deer fell with a soft thud. Relief
and triumph coursed through him as he lifted the carcass and began the trek back to
Montunoi village. By the time he arrived, the village was alive with evening activity. Children
laughed and ran about, while women and girls prepared the night's meal over flickering
fires.
"Hi, Mateo!"
"Mateo, hey!"
"Welcome back, Mateo!"
The young girls waved at him as he passed their tents, and he returned their greetings with
a charming smile.
At his home, he found Maya helping his grandmother with the cooking. Her eyes lit up when
she saw him, and she ran forward, throwing herself into a hug that sent them both tumbling
to the ground. Grandma Millicent watched with a gentle smile.
"Sorry!" Maya said, scrambling upright and helping Mateo to his feet.
"It's okay, I'm fine," he replied, handing her his hunting bag.
Maya had been Mateo's childhood friend, despite being three years younger. Ever since
Mateo's parents were killed by a leopard, she had quietly taken it upon herself to help him
and his grandmother. She managed the chores—fetching water, cooking, gathering
firewood—while Mateo hunted and fished.
"Welcome home, Mateo! How was hunting? Did you get any game?" Grandma Millicent
asked, as Mateo kissed her cheek and settled beside her.
"He sure did," Maya said proudly, bringing the deer from his bag.
"And a big one at that!" she added.
"Is dinner ready? I'm famished," Mateo said, rubbing his stomach.
"Hold on!" Grandma Millicent said, handing him a large leaf to use as a plate. Maya
followed, offering it with a smile.
"Enjoy!" she said.
"Thanks," he replied, eyes on the food.
"Hmm… boiled plantain, boiled potatoes… and where's the pepper sauce?"
"Oh! It's still on the fire, dear. I thought you'd be too hungry to wait," Grandma said, stirring
the simmering sauce.
"Don't worry, I'll wait, Grandma," Mateo said, standing. "I'm off to the river to bathe."
"Where are you going?" Maya asked.
"To the river," he replied simply.
Maya watched him walk down the winding path. Mateo's presence was magnetic, and
everyone in Montunoi village, including her, admired him. Deep in her heart, she longed for
him to see her as more than a friend. She stayed rooted, her gaze lingering on the empty
path, until Grandma Millicent's voice called her back.
"Maya!"
"Yes, Granny?"
"Be a darling and fetch some black peppercorns and rosemary from Kili's mother."
"Okay!"
Mateo reached the river and found it deserted. He shed his animal-hide shorts and slipped
into the cool water, washing away the grime and sweat of the hunt. After cleaning the
wound on his knee, he applied the ointment his grandmother had given him. On his return,
he met Maya, and together they went home. Dinner awaited, and the three—Mateo, Maya,
and Grandma Millicent—ate and laughed under the moonlight. Once finished, Maya
cleared the dishes and said her goodbyes, though a part of her wished she could linger in
Mateo's tent.
"I'll walk you home, Maya. It's too late to be out alone," Mateo offered.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine on my own," she replied.
"Okay then, goodnight," he said, disappearing into his tent.
Maya was surprised but hid it. She hadn't expected him to leave so quickly. She had
thought he would insist if she refused, but the chance had slipped away.
"Stupid, stupid, stupid!" she muttered, hitting her head. A rustle of leaves made her jump,
but it was only a squirrel. She let out a relieved sigh and ran toward home.