CUTIS had never imagined he would leave home so suddenly. One evening, he sat at the dinner table, his mother’s voice blending with the clinking of spoons against ceramic bowls. The warmth of home surrounded him—familiar, comforting, safe. But deep in his heart, he knew things had changed.
A great famine had swept through their land, and food had become scarce. Whispers of desperation filled the village. His father, a once-strong man, had grown weak, his face sunken with hunger. His mother tried to hide her worry, but Cutis saw the deep lines on her face.
Into the Forest
The trees loomed high, their thick branches forming a canopy that blocked out the morning sun. The deeper he went, the quieter it became—only the distant call of birds and the rustling of unseen creatures reminded him that he was not alone.
At first, he felt confident. He had played in the outskirts of the forest as a child, climbing trees and chasing butterflies. But as the hours passed, the reality of his situation set in. He was truly alone.
Hunger gnawed at his stomach. He searched for fruit, remembering what his grandfather had taught him. He found a bush with red berries but hesitated—were they safe? He plucked one, sniffed it, and decided to wait. Instead, he chewed on the dried roots his mother had given him.
By nightfall, exhaustion overtook him. He climbed into the fork of a sturdy tree, tying himself to a branch with his belt to avoid falling in his sleep. The night was alive with sounds—hoots, growls, and the eerie whispers of the wind. He shivered but forced himself to close his eyes.
The Struggle for Survival
The following days were a test of will. He learned to recognize edible plants and fashioned a spear from a fallen branch. He followed a stream to find fresh water, knowing it would also lead to animal tracks.
His first success came on the third day when he caught a fish with his makeshift spear. He had never tasted anything so delicious. But the victory was short-lived. That night, he realized he was not the only predator in the forest.
A pair of glowing eyes watched him from the darkness. A wolf.
Cutis’s heart pounded. He gripped his knife tightly and backed away slowly. The wolf snarled, stepping closer. Then, a loud roar echoed through the trees. The wolf froze before bolting into the shadows.
Cutis turned in terror. A massive bear emerged from the darkness.
He did the only thing he could—he ran.
A New Ally
Cutis ran until his legs gave out. He collapsed near the stream, gasping for breath. As the morning sun rose, he realized he had survived another night. But he couldn’t keep running forever.
Determined to stay hidden, he built a small shelter from branches and leaves. He dug a fire pit and kept it low to avoid attracting attention. Each day, he ventured further, learning which mushrooms were safe, how to set traps, and how to move without making a sound.
One afternoon, while tracking a rabbit, he found something unexpected—another human. A girl, no older than himself, crouched by the stream, filling a pouch with water.
She saw him and sprang to her feet, a wooden spear in hand.
“Who are you?” she demanded.
“Cutis,” he replied. “I come from the village.”
She studied him carefully before lowering her spear. “I’m Lira. I also left home to survive.”
From that day on, they became partners. Together, they built a better shelter, shared their knowledge of the forest, and protected each other.
The Return Home
Months passed, and Cutis had transformed. His body was lean but strong, his senses sharp. He and Lira had become skilled hunters, learning from the very wilderness that had once terrified them.
One evening, as they sat by the fire roasting fish, Cutis spoke. “The famine may be over by now. We should go back.”
Lira hesitated but nodded.
Their journey home was different from when they had left. They were no longer lost children but survivors.
When they arrived, the village was barely recognizable. The famine had taken its toll, but life was beginning to return. His mother cried when she saw him, holding him tightly. His father, though frail, smiled with pride.
Cutis had left as a boy. Now, he had returned as a warrior of the wild.
And he knew, no matter what happened, he would never fear the forest again.
