Chapter 6: A Different Kind of Strength
479 Words
The forest path echoed with laughter.
Or rather...
Echo's laughter.
"...You really slept through the entire afternoon?"
Kodie scratched his cheek.
"...I was tired."
Dorothy sighed.
"You were 'tired' after sleeping since sunrise."
"I was recovering."
"Recovering from what?"
"...Yesterday."
Echo couldn't hold back another laugh.
"...You're unbelievable."
The three walked back toward the cottage.
Along the way, Kodie suddenly stopped.
"Hm?"
He crouched beside a small bush.
A tiny bird had fallen from its nest, chirping helplessly.
Echo instinctively stepped forward.
"I'll put it back."
Kodie gently raised a hand.
"Wait."
He slowly picked up the little bird.
Instead of climbing the tree...
He looked upward and whistled softly.
A moment later...
The mother bird fluttered down.
She wasn't frightened.
She simply perched on Kodie's shoulder.
Echo stared.
"...She isn't afraid of you."
Kodie smiled.
"Why would she be?"
He carefully handed the chick to its mother.
The bird chirped happily before flying back to the nest.
"...There."
Echo blinked.
"You can communicate with animals?"
Kodie tilted his head.
"...Communicate?"
"I just listened."
Echo looked even more confused.
Dorothy smiled quietly.
"Animals speak."
Echo frowned.
"They don't use words."
"They don't have to."
She looked toward Kodie.
"He simply understands."
Kodie shrugged.
"...It's easier than understanding people."
As they continued walking, a loud roar echoed through the forest.
Echo instinctively reached for the sword at his waist.
"What was that?"
Dorothy remained calm.
"...Probably an old Rock Bear."
Echo looked around nervously.
"Shouldn't we be careful?"
Kodie yawned.
"It won't come here."
"How do you know?"
"...Because she's busy."
Echo blinked.
"...She?"
Kodie pointed toward a distant hill.
A massive Rock Bear was carefully carrying two tiny cubs across a fallen tree.
Echo watched silently.
"...She's..."
"Just being a mother."
Kodie smiled.
"Not every roar is a threat."
Echo slowly lowered his hand from his sword.
That evening...
The three gathered around the dinner table.
Dorothy served warm bread and soup.
Echo hesitated before speaking.
"...Can I ask something?"
Dorothy nodded.
"Of course."
"...Why did you help me?"
Dorothy smiled.
"I've taught enough students to know the difference between a dangerous child..."
She looked directly into Echo's eyes.
"...and a lonely one."
Echo lowered his gaze.
No one had ever described him that way.
Not a failure.
Not a disgrace.
Just...
Lonely.
Kodie quietly tore a piece of bread in half and placed it onto Echo's plate.
"You looked hungry."
Echo looked at him in surprise.
"...Thank you."
Kodie smiled.
"...You're welcome."
Then, without another word...
He rested his head on the table.
"...Kodie."
"Hm?"
"Don't fall asleep while eating."
"...Too late..."
THUD.
As laughter filled the little cottage...
Echo didn't realize it yet.
The home he had lost...
Was slowly being replaced by a new one.
His face landed gently beside his bowl.
Dorothy pinched the bridge of her nose.
Echo burst into laughter once again.
- Writer
