Chapter 99; A Taste of Home

The girls helped Jr carry the supplies to the shelter, and as they arrived, Bella brought out a tree-like seat and told Jr to sit down.

The girls gathered around him, their eyes sparkling with curiosity. Bonita, the youngest, came forward and hugged Jr tightly.

"I thought you had abandoned us like the others," Bonita said, her voice trembling.

Jr smiled and hugged her back. "I'm sorry, I had a lot of work to do. That's why I didn't come yesterday."

Bonita looked up at him with big brown eyes. "My name is Bonita, and I'm 8 years old."

Jr smiled and said, "Nice to meet you, Bonita."

The other girls introduced themselves as well. Lisa and Bianca were both 10 years old, and Bella was 19.

Jr asked for their forgiveness for not coming the previous day, and Bonita said, "You are forgiven, since you brought us cake last time."

Lisa asked Jr about his name, and he replied, "My name is Hampton Jr, but you can call me Jr. It's very simple."

The girls giggled, and Jr smiled, feeling a sense of belonging.

Bianca exclaimed, "Bella, I see some saucepans and cooking oil!"

Bella smiled and said, "Let's check what Jr has brought. Maybe we'll find something we've been lacking."

As they explored the supplies, Bianca found some soap, and the girls cheered.

Bella asked Jr if he was hungry, and Jr replied, "Yes, but it's okay."

However, Bella insisted, "I'm going to make something for you to eat."

Jr's eyes lit up, and he said, "That's very kind of you."

Bianca brought out a bottle of water, and Bella lit a fire. Lisa brought out some yellow bananas and cassava flour.

Bonita jumped up and down, exclaiming, "Bella, are you going to make us original African pancakes, like you promised?"

Jr looked at Bella, and for a moment, he thought he saw a flicker of something in her eyes. But he pushed the thought aside.

As Bella began to deep fry the pancakes made from kneaded yellow bananas mixed with cassava flour, the aroma of pancakes filled the air, and Jr's stomach growled with anticipation.

He watched as Bella expertly flipped the pancakes, and the girls chatted excitedly.

For a moment, Jr forgot about his life outside the forest. He forgot about his grandfather, the president, and the guards.

All he could think about was the sense of belonging he felt with Bella and the girls.

As they sat down to eat, Jr took a bite of the pancake, and his eyes widened in surprise.

It was the most delicious thing he had ever tasted.

"Wow, Bella, this is amazing!" Jr exclaimed.

Bella smiled, and the girls giggled.

For a moment, they all forgot about their troubles, and all that mattered was the taste of home.