Chapter 4

Upon feeling the warmth of the sunlight on my face, I let out a groan and shifted in bed. Opening my eyes, my vision gradually cleared. As I rose from bed, I glanced at a jar and a broken glass nearby, while the melodious chirping of birds filled my ears. I smiled at them, eagerly anticipating the fulfillment of my wish once I completed my task. The thought of it filled me with excitement. All I needed to do was gather honey and rendezvous with her again.

Alright, Deliva. It's time to gather some sticks and obtain that honey.

Just as I was about to retrieve the items from the floor, my stomach growled, interrupting my plans. Frowning, I looked down at my abdomen and placed my hands on it. It was time for me to search for food. Turning towards the front tent, where the lake was situated, I smiled, realizing it was the perfect opportunity to find sustenance.

I decided to leave the items behind and exited the tent instead. Shielding my eyes from the sunlight momentarily, I allowed them to adjust to the surroundings. The sky was adorned with drifting clouds, and the lake appeared a vibrant shade of blue. In the distance, I spotted animals quenching their thirst from the water. The wind blew gently from the east, causing me to brush my hair away from my face. The scent of nature filled my nostrils, and its symphony of sounds enveloped my ears.

After tidying my hair, I placed my hands on my hips and let out a sigh of excitement. Before I began fishing, I scanned the area around me, searching for something to aid me in catching and killing the fish. However, my search proved fruitless. I couldn't find anything useful at all. Frustrated, I gave up on hunting for fish, and instead, memories of my sister gathering berries with me flooded my mind. That's when I made the decision to search for them instead.

I scoured the area in vain for them, unable to locate them along the shore. As I neared the untamed creatures, they swiftly turned and fled from me. I found solace in this, relieved that they wouldn't impede my progress.

Continuing my quest for the berries, I eventually spied them. Hanging from the branches of a bush, they were a vibrant violet hue. Positioned between two trees by the roadside, I recognized them as the same variety my sister and I often enjoyed.

Rushing towards the berries, I consumed as many as I could until I was sated. It was then time to retrieve honey for the woman.

After collecting the necessary supplies from the tent, I set out to locate the beehive. Struggling to find it, I grew weary from my exhaustive search. Despite my desire to rest, I pressed on, determined to complete my task.

Finally spotting the beehive, I gathered sticks to ignite a fire beneath it. As I gathered branches, I trembled at the sight of the hive.

Contemplating the placement of the sticks, I hesitated, realizing the potential danger. Taking a deep breath, I mustered the courage to proceed.

Alright, Deliva. Let's do this.

As I threw the sticks beneath the hive, the bees quickly took notice, prompting me to flee back to the lake.

As I glanced back and forth, the bees maintained their distance, providing a brief moment of relief. However, they continued to pursue me relentlessly. With my heart pounding and sweat drenching my body, I exerted all my energy to run under the scorching heat of the sun. Despite my energy dwindling, fear caused my heart rate to skyrocket. The constant threat of the bees catching up spurred me on, overriding the exhaustion plaguing my mind and body.

Upon reaching the lake, I cast a final glance at the pursuing bees before plunging into the water, holding my breath and carefully setting my belongings on the shore. Submerged in the water, I waited for thirty seconds and hoped the bees would depart. Emerging from the lake, I gasped for air, relieved to find the bees gone.

Spotting my belongings intact on the shore, I swam over to check for any damage. Reassured by their condition, I retrieved them and headed back towards the beehive. Standing before it, I gazed at the sticks below, alternating my gaze between them and the hive. Reflecting the sunlight onto the sticks, I swallowed nervously.

With a deep breath, I ignited the sticks, causing flames and smoke to rise. The smoke drove the bees away from their hive, a sight that brought a smile to my face.

After filling the jostle with nectar, I yelled for the lady from the best of my lungs as I strolled ahead, “Hello? Can you hear me? I've got what you requested.”

“Wonderful,” the woman's voice reverberated around me as she materialized in front of me, emerging from the bright light.

I turned towards her, offering a broader smile as I presented her with the gift. “Here you go, madam.”

“Thank you very much,” The woman shouted back as she acknowledged the blessing from me and gave me a smile of her own.

“You're most welcome.”

“And now, what is your reward?”

I informed her of an exit from the forest and a path to another refuge. She handed me a map before vanishing before my eyes. Now I was completely happy to receive it as I couldn't believe it in my own eyes, making my heart merry as I couldn't contain my excitement to resurrect my sister from the dead. I studied the map and was about to thank her once more, finding out that she completely vanished out of thin air.

Wondering where she could've gone while moving my head sideways, I shouted “Hello?” a couple times and heard no response from her. None. That was when I began to set off towards my destination, my eagerness to depart the forest for the city soaring once more.