FROM THE DARK FOREST TO THE DARKNESS OF REAL WORLD
1074 Words
It was the day of their departure. Carrying half a sack filled with fruits from Amira, they began walking out of the forest. Amira was with them, still in the form of an old, frail woman—just in case someone saw her as they left. If anyone did, it wouldn’t matter; upon seeing her elderly appearance, they would likely be frightened and never dare to enter the forest.
As they walked out, it felt as if the animals and trees were bidding them farewell, their gazes seemingly following them as they left the forest.
They reached the forest’s edge, where the pile of wood they had originally planned to collect the night they got lost still remained. It felt like only yesterday, yet so much had happened.
As soon as they stepped out, the old woman bid them farewell, tears welling in her eyes. The siblings could no longer hold back their emotions and tightly embraced her, their tears flowing uncontrollably.
“Enough now, I’m not going anywhere. You’re making me cry too,” Amira said with a gentle smile. “We’ll just have less time together, but that doesn’t mean we won’t see each other again. I’ll visit you sometimes, and you should visit me too on the day I told you. Be good and take care, okay? No one will ever hurt you—I love you both so much.”
She held them close as the two children clung tightly to her, unwilling to let go.
After a while, they finally let go. They looked like little fledglings left in the middle of the rain, their faces filled with longing.
Lola Amira bid them farewell, and they started walking home. Their hearts felt completely different now—no longer burdened by fear, but filled with comfort, knowing they had someone to rely on. Federico’s heart swelled with joy as he watched Felimon act completely normal—chattering nonstop and even running ahead as they walked, something he had never been able to do before.
Felimon was finally able to be a normal child. When they arrived in their village, people couldn’t help but stare—Felimon’s energy was completely different. They were even more astonished when they heard him speak clearly and fluently. With a bright smile, Felimon greeted everyone one by one, radiating the joy of a cheerful child.
When they reached their home, an overwhelming happiness filled their hearts. They couldn’t quite describe the relief and warmth of finally being back. Sitting on their bed, they savored the sweet taste of the fruits, feeling truly at peace.
Many of their neighbors asked where they had been and why they had disappeared. They simply said that they had found work for a week, which was why they hadn’t come home. There was nothing the neighbors could do but believe them—after all, who would doubt two children?
Their neighbors also noticed the fruits they were carrying and asked about them. The siblings smiled and said that the fruits were their earnings from their work.
Their neighbors also couldn’t ignore the golden necklaces they wore, which shimmered beautifully in the light. However, the siblings made sure not to say anything that would make people suspect they had stolen them.
Fearing that someone might try to take the necklaces, they remembered what had been said—if the necklaces were ever lost, they would return on their own. But the real danger was the possibility of being harmed by the adults who might covet them. Thinking quickly, Federico told everyone that if someone ever came looking for the necklaces, they would return them without hesitation. But if no one did, then that would be proof that they rightfully belonged to them.
Many people in the village had been watching them ever since they lost their parents—just watching, never helping. And now, just as many were prying into their lives, curious about what had happened to them during the seven days they were gone.
The siblings realized that if these people couldn’t even bear to ignore rumors, how could they possibly offer real help? So instead of arguing, they simply smiled at the accusations. After all, they knew in their hearts that they had done
nothing wrong.
“They’re like black spirits, aren’t they, Kuya? Saying nothing but nonsense,” Felimon said with a mischievous grin.
“Silly,” Federico chuckled. “Just let them be. What matters is figuring out how we start over. We should put all our trust in Lola Amira—I believe we’re safe every day because she and Baynugo are watching over us.”
They decided to follow Lola Amira’s advice—not to work until their food supply ran out. Days passed, yet the fruits never seemed to spoil. In fact, every morning, it felt as if more had appeared. No matter how much they ate, the pile never diminished.
Perhaps the Engkantos still didn’t want them to work just yet—a thought that filled them with gratitude. To show their appreciation, they would whisper their thanks, knowing that the unseen beings were listening.
Until one day, they came up with an idea—what if they sold the fruits instead?
Many people bought from them since they were selling them at a very low price, right outside their home. As soon as they saved up enough money, Federico fulfilled his promise to Felimon—they finally had a meal with meat.
Days and weeks passed, and Lola Amira continued to visit them at night when no one could see her, always leaving before dawn.
Meanwhile, Federico sometimes dreamed of Baynugo, who would tell him to always be prepared—the time for his training was drawing near. Soon, he would begin learning how to heal and fight against the creatures of darkness.
Federico was always ready, with Felimon by his side, offering quiet support. Their lives continued to improve, allowing them to leave behind the hardship of gathering firewood—no more heavy loads to carry, no more long walks through the forest.
Who would have thought that a single mistake, one they had feared would cost them everything, would instead change their lives for the better? The danger they once dreaded had become the very thing that led them to a life of comfort, finally allowing them to receive the fair treatment they had always deserved from the world.
- Writer
