Arwa's Concern

No matter how much I feared it, I knew I had to return to the forest. I wanted to learn the language of the trees; they were ancient beings that experienced time in a way far different from what I knew, quietly whispering the past and the future. I wondered what they spoke of among themselves. Cedar trees were long-lived beings, capable of living for a thousand years, having witnessed countless storms, disasters, and changes. They may have seen many things I didn't know about during the course of their lives. I hoped to learn their language and take even a small piece from the depths of their wisdom.

My journey back home passed smoothly under the cool breath of the night sky. The wind softly rustled through the leaves, singing gentle songs to me. I occasionally stopped to look behind me on the path, suspicious that something might be moving in the shadows of the forest. However, each time, I thought I might be mistaken and continued on my way.

When I reached the front of my door, Arwa was waiting for me outside. The traces of worry and curiosity were visible on her face.

"Kid, come here and look at this," she said, her voice warm but trembling.

I obeyed and went to her. She looked me over from head to toe, then sighed deeply.

"Have you lost your mind? Those baskets in your hands... They come from the Cursed Forest, don't they? Oh, I should have told you how that cursed forest brings nothing but misfortune!" Arwa's voice now held a slight tremor, filled with a motherly worry, mixed with anger and fear. "I remember the stories the villagers told when I was a child. They said that anyone who set foot in that forest either never returned or, if they did, came out as someone completely different. Oh, my kid, even though it's a blessing from the Gods that you came back safely, never go there again! There is nothing but death in that place! I was so worried about where you were. My heart almost stopped. Don't disappear without warning again!" she said, her voice breaking with emotion.

I hugged her tightly without dropping my baskets. It felt strange to see her so frightened, but at the same time, a strange warmth filled me. Having someone care for me so deeply... It was an unfamiliar but comforting feeling.

"I'm sorry for worrying you, Arwa," I said sincerely. "But I don't think the forest is as dangerous as you believe. I'll go back there, and this matter is closed! Look, I've gathered all sorts of things in these baskets. Some of them, even you don't have in your stock! I'm giving all of this to you. You deserve better, but this is all I can do for now. Also, I admit the forest is mysterious, but that doesn't mean it's evil. After all, it brought me back safely, didn't it?"

The old woman nodded, her eyes brimming with tears. She then looked at the baskets and began inspecting their contents one by one. Her eyes grew wide, and her astonishment was evident.

"Are all of these for me? Kid, you've gone to great lengths! I'm an old woman; I have no need for so much. I can't accept all of this," she said, though her eyes were still fixated on the items inside the baskets.

Seeing the look in Arwa's eyes, I smiled. "Siri, can you take a picture of Arwa? I want to immortalize this moment."

"Recording transferred to memory photo gallery... Transfer complete," Siri's mechanical voice responded.

Arwa, still in shock, exclaimed, "My Gods, what have you gathered! These plants are so rare! Marjoram, tarragon, sumac, caraway, rosemary, hyssop, thyme, basil, sage… And this… birch mushrooms! Kid, I must say, fortune is on your side. I saw marjoram when I was a child, but I never thought I would see it again. This is 'pure happiness.' Whoever consumes it will relive their happiest moments! Are you really willing to give all of this to me?" Her excitement was evident in her eyes.

I couldn't help but be swept up in her joy. I nodded enthusiastically. "Of course, Arwa! I want to give these to you as a thank you for your hospitality."

Arwa took a deep breath and held my hands. "Kid, you have a heart of gold. Thank you for your gifts."

"It's nothing, Arwa. But I'm curious about what you've been up to today. Are you going to teach me a lesson?" I asked.

The woman paused for a moment, her eyes widening slightly in surprise. "Ah, Alek, it completely slipped my mind! Please don't misunderstand, I forgot because of my old age. Today, I was supposed to milk the goats for cheese, but those stubborn animals got the best of me! Speaking of their owner, I've never seen a man so careless in my life! He's off to the city again, probably drinking. Anyway, I don't want to bore you with these tales. Soon, I'll be going to the village to check on the sick. You know a bit about healing herbs, but there's still much more for you to learn. You should know how to diagnose patients too. If you want to join me, come to the village with me. I'll teach you everything you need to know."

For a moment, she hesitated, then her eyes gleamed mischievously. "Also, there's a girl in the village about your age. If you're interested in marriage, I can help you out. What do you say?" she said with a sly grin.

My eyes widened. "Marriage? No, thank you! I'm still young. I'm fourteen; I think it's too early for that! But I would love to come to the village. I've been feeling a bit bored lately. That's actually why I went to the forest. I have a lot to learn as an apprentice healer. Going with you would be a great opportunity for me!" I said excitedly.

Arwa smiled and nodded. "Well then, let's not waste time. The road is long, and there's a lot for you to learn, kid."