Forty Five

Jae slapped a mosquito which landed on his skin for the nth time. His legs were feeling heavy and he was so hungry but nevertheless, he kept walking side by side with his mother as they searched for a way to leave the forest.

His stomach suddenly growled again.

"Honey....". Bianca carried him and tears dropped down her eyes. "I'm so sorry you have to go through all these".

"It's okay mummy". He said, cleaning her tears before she hugged him to herself.

"Here... You'll climb up this tree while I look for some fruits okay?".

"Mummy...where will you go? Are you leaving me alone".

"No honey... I'll be back before you know it".

With that, she led him up a high tree where he sat on one of the high branches, concealed by the leaves and darkness.

He smiled a small smile at her and waved at her before she smiled and ran off.

Her heart was beating as she moved around the forest in search of food for her baby boy.

Suddenly she slipped down a small hill and rolled down, grunting in pain