Pegman this week takes us to the remote and magical island of Madagascar.
THE HUNT
“Gaeton, son, you’re thirteen, old enough to hunt in the forest”
“Papa”
You must catch a live animal to sell. Lemurs are best, I know men who will pay for them. We need money.”
“Will you come Papa ?”
“No, my health is not good.”
*
It’s daybreak, I push through the dark leaves of the forest. I find a quiet clearing, sit on a fallen tree to eat my breakfast. Opposite me the leaves swish, I see a striped, graceful body, a face with round black eyes looking at me.
The animal dances into the clearing, puts out a long furry arm and takes the papaya out of my hand. We look at each other, chewing our food. He is a long thin monkey, eyes looking into my soul.
Then he is gone.
I return to my village, one step lighter from our meeting, the other heavy with the anger that will come.
May 13, 2019 at 4:18 pm
This was fantastic, Francine. I loved the two exchanges. And am ever thankful the father was not well enough to accompany him so that he could have the second exchange. 🙂
May 13, 2019 at 4:48 pm
Thank you Dale, appreciate your feedback. So glad you liked the story. Think the lemur’s fate was a fragile thing.
May 13, 2019 at 5:26 pm
Yes…
May 13, 2019 at 3:24 pm
Excellent story and pacing here.
May 13, 2019 at 4:49 pm
Thanks so much Josh, so glad you liked the story.
May 13, 2019 at 2:11 pm
His father may be angry, but I can see that he has to follow his own heart, his own instincts. And besides, lemurs are so charming and cute — and yes, maybe a bit magical!
May 13, 2019 at 4:50 pm
Thank you Joy, I appreciate your feedback.
May 12, 2019 at 7:01 pm
Charming story with a WONDERFUL ending. I could just see it. He did the right thing 🙂
May 12, 2019 at 7:31 pm
So pleased you liked the story. It was the lemurs’ charm that did it !
May 12, 2019 at 6:57 pm
Oh, Francine! I think this is one of your very best. Cheers! Lish
May 12, 2019 at 7:32 pm
So kind Lish, appreciate your feedback.
May 12, 2019 at 5:33 pm
I like this. I like lemurs.
May 12, 2019 at 7:33 pm
So glad you liked the story. lemurs are magical I think.
May 12, 2019 at 7:34 pm
indeed