I was carried into the hideout, where my mom, a skilled native doctor, swiftly tended to my wounds. She rummaged through her collection of herbs, expertly mixing a remedy to stem the bleeding.

As the pain began to subside, exhaustion took over, and I drifted into a deep, restorative sleep.

The next morning, Abigeal's gentle voice roused me.

Abigeal (whispering): Hello, brother.

Me (whispering back): Hi, sister.

Abigeal: How's your body?

Me: It's fine.

Abigeal: Okay, let me get you some food.

Me: No need, I'd like to eat with the family. Just help me back into the house.

Abigeal nodded and carefully assisted me out of the hideout, back into our home, where the warmth and love of my family awaited.

As we entered, my mom and dad exchanged worried glances, relief evident on their faces.

Mr. Parker (in signs): How are you, son?

Me (same pattern): I'm better, Father. Thanks, Mom.

My mom smiled, her eyes misty, and handed me a steaming bowl of food.

The familiar comfort of family and warmth enveloped me, momentarily pushing aside the horrors outside.

After eating, my parents began signing to each other.

Mrs. Parker (in signs): Did you know how much I love you?

Mr. Parker (in signs): Did you know I'd kill for the love I have for you?

Mrs. Parker (in signs): I love you more than my life.

(My sister cleared the table, leaving us to their tender moment)

Mr. Parker (in signs): Wow!, that's why I love you.

Mrs. Parker (in signs): I love you more.

Mr. Parker (in signs): I love you morer.

Mrs. Parker (in signs): I love you morest.

Mr. Parker (in signs): You win.

(They shared a warm smile, their love shining brighter amidst the village's darkness)

Me: (watching, amused) Always like this.

Abigeal returned with a knowing grin.

Abigeal (in signs): Mom and Dad are crazy about each other.

Me (in signs): I know.

Mrs. Parker (in signs): Come, let's discuss our next move.

(The romantic interlude ended, and our focus shifted to the village's plight)

Mrs. Parker (in signs): I want to tell you that Mummy Deborah is pregnant (Describing her with her hand).

Mr. Parker (in signs): Don't they know that they are not supposed to be getting pregnant in this critical situation we are facing right now.

(Yeah, I do know my Daddy for one thing. He hates the fact that my Mum is risking the hideout for delivery, but he will always say that the people my Mummy is delivering babies for may make too much noise, and it will get to the wild beast, and this will become an havoc to us all... The baby mouths are always closed till they know what they are doing... It has been reported that many babies die when being breastfed because of crying).

Mrs. Parker (in signs): They could not help but make love.

Mr. Parker (in signs): That's stupidity because they can still make love without getting each other pregnant. And remember what happened to Mrs. Madison; she was just trying to help Mrs. Johnson, and they both met their death.

Mrs. Parker (in signs): Please now.

(She gave my Daddy a weak smile).

Mr. Parker (in signs): What is with this weak smile?

My mom's silent tears pierced my heart as Dad comforted her.

I couldn't shake off the haunting memories.

Mrs. Parker (in signs): I don't want to lose another child.

Mr. Parker (in signs): Sorry, I didn't mean to remind you of her passing.

I touched Dad's arm, signing: I need some air.

Mr. Parker (in signs): Be careful, tread silently.

I stepped out, lost in thought, when suddenly a beast darted past me, bursting into a nearby house, well that's after I heard a loud noise from there. A chilling scream echoed from within.

The beast emerged, blood staining its mouth. I froze, taking in its towering height – almost matching mine.

Shaken, I retreated to the back of the building, seeking solace.

There, I found Abigeal sitting serenely, enjoying the gentle breeze.

Me (in signs): You seem peaceful here.

Abigeal (in signs): There's nothing peaceful about this village.

Me (in signs): I agree.

Abigeal (in signs): I just heard a man's scream. Who do you think it was?

Me (in signs): It came from the Wilsons' house. Probably Mr. Wilson.

Abigeal (in signs): Oh, this is heartbreaking.

Me (in signs): I couldn't agree less.

(I offered a somber smile)

Me (in signs): Let's take a walk.

Abigeal's face lit up with a smile.

Abigeal (in signs): It's been a while since we walked together.

Me (in signs): Yeah, let's go.

I handed Abigeal the bow and arrow since she was exceptionally skilled with it, and I held onto my sword. We proceeded with our walk.

My sister was right; it had been a long time since we walked together. The last time was before my senior sister's passing. Since then, I'd been afraid to take Abigeal out, haunted by the guilt of forcing my senior sister to go to the library that fateful day. Despite my parents' reassurances that it was fate, I couldn't shake the thought that if only I had listened to her reservations, she'd still be with me.

We walked silently down to the waterfall my dad showed me. 

Me (in voice): The waterfall is beautiful.

Abigeal (in signs): Please stop making noise.

Me (jokingly): Beast, you bloody nincompoop, come and eat me now!

Abigeal's worried expression touched my heart.

Abigeal (in signs): Please, I don't want to lose you; you're the only brother I have.

Me: Don't be afraid. The beast can't come for me.

Abigeal (in signs): What's holding the beast from attacking?

Me: The waterfall.

Abigeal (in signs): I don't understand.

Me: The waterfall's noise drowns out our voices, even if we shout. I think the beasts avoid it due to the constant din.

Abigeal (surprised, speaking aloud): Wow, okay.

Me: Your voice sounds angelic.

Abigeal: Thanks, bro.

Me: I want to swim.

Abigeal: Okay, be careful.

Me: It's good Mom and Dad taught us to communicate silently in the basement. We never know if other villagers can speak.

Abigeal: Yes.

Me (sighing): I hope so.

I removed my clothes, down to remain only my boxers, and dove into the water. My knowledge of swimming from reading helped me navigate the currents.

The water felt refreshing on my skin, a welcome change from our usual cloth-and-water cleaning method at home. We even used flat, short sticks to clean our teeth every two days.

As I swam, I felt revitalized, my body light and free.

I swam back to Abigeal.

Me: Want to swim? It'll do your body good.

Abigeal: Okay.

Me: I'll give you space.

I emerged from the water, dressed, and strolled around, admiring the vibrant flowers.

Returning to the waterfall, I was met with a sight that left me weak, broken, and disheartened.