Chapter 2: They Set Off

 
A handful was chosen by the stranger to go on an adventure not yet known to us. For now, we are not concerned about where they are headed, or how they were chosen.

 
Their final night in their beloved home, a solemn feeling loomed in the house. Two of the elder brother, and one of the sisters. The tall one was cheerful, loving, but a little too playful for the townsfolk' liking. The quiet sister was wise, thoughtful, and a bit temperamental. The last brother, was in a constant battle with himself. He looked gloomy most of the time, and spoke gloomily as well. Tonight, they were packing their final necessities for the greatest journey they would ever go on. They each made a silent vow to come back as soon as they could, but Mother knows that is not true. This is a journey they will be making for life. One that will make or break each one of them.


Mama had been busy with the chores. She knew her time with them was nearly up, but she couldn't leave her chores for a second. She had duties, and responsibilities; and Mama wasn't one to shirk them. They were to depart later that night. Mama stood ready at the door, hoping she wouldn't miss them. She looked up at the staircase, hoping to see them; yet knowing that seeing them would mean that they would be on their way out already.

The girl came first. She held Mama tight and took numerous photos. Mama held back her tears. Outside, the grumpy one stood. Mama was hesitant. He hardly spoke to her, and through the years, he was more of Papa's boy rather than hers. She looked up at him.

"Goodby hug?"


She didn't think he would, but he did. And a strong, comforting one at that. Mama drew a deep breath. He loves me. She allowed the thought to seep through her for a while. Joy filled her heart. She told him a few last words, but she knew he didn't need them. He was ready.


Then the boisterous one bounded down the steps. He didn't need a request. He buried her small frame in his warm embrace. He hugged his sisters, and rubbed their heads. He was always the loving one. Mama wonders how he'll fare off in the wilderness, but she can't do anything now. It's time for him to leave. He gives Mama one last bear-hug. She tells him she'll miss him, and he says he'll miss her too. What any mother would give up to hear their children say that, especially when they're as fully grown as this lanky one was.. Mama's heart glowed.


Then came one of the middle children down the steps. He wasn't joining his elder siblings on the journey, and would be with Mama still, but she caught a glimpse at him looking at his siblings' goodbyes. Mama knew, she couldn't let this one think she loved him any less. He was a bit sensitive at that.

He came down, rolled his eyes (the way he always did when he saw Mama) the way teens do at their Mamas. Mama smiled at him still. Brought the candle to his caboose and tucked him in. Mama jokingly asked "I'll still see you in the morning right, baby?" she expected him to ignore her, or grunt, or grumble that he had no choice. Instead, he just answered "Yes". He was rather meek, too. Mama was astonished. Mama tucked in the big baby into his bed, and said, "Well, I still want to give you a bye-bye hug, 'cause it still hurt that I can't just watch my precious baby through the night" Again, she expected him to roar or push her away. He didn't. Instead, he just sat up in his bed.

Mama hugged him tight.

He looked up at her.

Mama patted his head, ruffled his hair (again, trying to resurrect the grumpy baby she was used to). Still he only met her with meek eyes.

"I love you, baby"

He looked at her. She ruffled his head a bit more and told him she loved him again. Still no answer. Odd. She thought.

She took one last deep breath. "Mama loves you, boy"

She turned out the lights.