Chapter 5 (1/2)

From his childhood to his young adulthood, he didn’t have a chance to be a kid, unable to live with even a breath of confidence as he was constantly tossed back and forth.

It was such a pitiful life.

Because of his ill-fated life, it would be nice if he had not too bad of memories for at least a year.

From now, there was about a year left.

I couldn’t completely change Luca’s mind, but for now, I’ll plan to try my best.

I’ll take care of his meals, I’ll try to talk with him more, enjoy walks together…

For a month, I tried my best, but Luca’s sealed heart was unyielding.

In fact, he became more defensive and often ran away; it was even harder for me to see him.

But it seemed like it was tough to brush off the pain that was already inflicted upon him.

Yesterday evening, Luca suddenly got sick and suffered through the night.

He had no other option but to lay there quietly and helplessly, to the point where he couldn’t even avoid my hand.

With both body and mind so feeble, it seemed like he let his guard down even more.

Although he was moaning softly with sickly pain, he glanced towards me and let out a sigh of relief.

He couldn’t hate his only flesh and blood, and seeing that tormented me.

Thinking about Luca being so miserable at home, I was determined to gather those medicinal herbs.

“Alright, since I’m already gathering medicinal plants… I should pick more to buy some sausage.”

Meat seemed to be the best remedy when you’re sick.

Especially when you’re a child.

With that, I was motivated to collect more medicinal herbs.

***

I wonder how much time has passed since then.

The early hours of a hazy dawn passed, and the clear sun was slowly shining between the foliage.

I finally straightened my bent back.

“Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow,” a reflex moan escaped my lips.

Loud pops in rapid succession erupted from my spine that was hunched over this entire time.

As I hit my lower back with my hand, I looked down at the basket full of medicinal herbs.

“I should return to the village about now.”

Content with my efforts, I felt myself getting lighter with each step.

I rushed onto the dirt path towards the village and suddenly began to hear the clapping sound of a horse’s hooves.

As I turned around startled, a carriage was right behind me.

“Wha-, what was that?!”