As the sun set, Marcia and Jonah began to walk slowly.

Their footsteps faded until Gruff’s were the only ones heard. Their eyes darted back and forth at every little sound. Jonah’s hand rested on the small hunting knife at his waist.

“Jonah,” Marcia whispered, “It is getting dark.”

“We should set up camp before it gets danger-” Jonah peeked at Gruff. Flashing a smile, he asked, “Gruff, could you get us some firewood? Don’t go too far, though.”

Gruff ran off for the firewood, looking to be helpful. The trees shrouded the sky, and the smell of bark and berry bushes wafted through the air. Gruff plucked all the berries from the bush. They dyed his hands red and smelled sweet, making his stomach grumble. Raising them to his mouth, drool spilled past Gruff’s chin.

Snap! The berries plummeted from his hands into some mud. Gruff turned, coming eye to eye with a rabbit. The boy stomped his foot on the ground, causing the bunny to hop away. Gruff grabbed what looked clean from the ground and shoved them into his pockets.

Back at camp, Marcia and Jonah seemed to be busy. Jonah was building a firepit while Marcia ran string around trees.

“Okay,” Jonah said excitedly, “all set.” The older boy made eye contact with Gruff. “Oh good, I was getting worried about you. Marcia started thinking you ate some poisonous berries or something.”

“Poisonous?” Gruff’s heart skipped a beat.

“Sorry, we forgot to warn you.” Marcia patted the boy on the head. She looked down at his hands. “Oh no, did you eat some?”

“N-no, I dropped them.”

“Thank goodness,” Marcia took the firewood from Gruff. “Why don’t you make yourself comfortable?”

Marcia dropped the firewood into a small pit, and right before Gruff’s eyes, a fire ignited like magic.

The sun set quickly, and before Gruff realized it, he was asleep. He and his mother danced in the meadow. He stood on top of her feet as she swayed back and forth. Her short hair blew in her face, but she just laughed each time it got up her nose or into her mouth. Green grass and vibrant flowers swayed around the field, dancing with the boy and his mother. They spun around, and before Gruff knew it, his mother was gone.

“Gruffy,” a voice called out. “Wake up.” Marcia knelt in front of Gruff. He rose from the ground and rubbed his eyes. Marcia pushed his hair away from his face.

She looked worn out and was covered in dirt.

“Man, Gruff, you slept well.” Jonah smiled. His clothes were tattered, and he had a knife in his hand.

“We should get going. Master always says,” Marcia turned to face Jonah, “It’s best to start a journey early.”