Chapter II :  CONTACT

  ???: (undertone voice) “Are you alright?” 

  The strange man questioned Athan, a concerning view mirrored in his sight. He was attempting to calm the young man down. 

  ???: “Im really sorry if I… terrified you. I wasn't aware that this animal was yours… don't take it to heart. I swear, I would never even think of hurting it, had I known all along. Tell me… what are you doing here? You know… out in the woods, all by yourself. Are you alone? Is there perhaps anyone else accompanying you?”

  Athan stared at the man with confusion. He wasn't able to comprehend what the sounds coming out of his mouth were supposed to mean. The man gazed at the Boro with a melancholic look.

  ???: “I see… (sighs)... well, I guess he’s your only buddy after all. Those wounds thankfully don't appear to be too severe, so we wont be mourning him for now… please, allow me to-”

  The moment the man extended his hand to examine the Boro, Athan growled, pushing him away, yet again. Not wishing to escalate the situation any further, the man retracted his reach. 

  ???: “Sorry…I should have known. Obviously, you're not ready to trust me yet, are you? Hmm… how about we take it from the start? (Clears throat, soft voice) My name’s Abraham, I live at a cabin nearby with my family, on the top of a hill. Surviving ain't easy, yeah, but we make do. Naturally, I was out, hunting to provide for my boys, when I came across your friend there, and long story-short… we’re here. So uh… what’s your name youngster?” 

  Abraham smiled with grace, kneeling gently before Athan. Despite his inability to decipher the meaning behind the strange man’s words, Athan had gradually grown fond of his mannerisms, quietly unhardening his cold stance.

 Even though he was in no possession of verbal communication skills, that did not prove to be an obstacle for their mutual understanding. Closing the gap between the two, Athan timidly placed his hand on top of Abraham’s head and caressed his hair, showing off affection the only way he knew. Although surprised by the action, Abraham simply stood there with a small grin, and accepted this amiable gift.

   Abraham: “(lets out a breath of relief) You sure are an odd one kiddo…”