The State of Grace

In the Pastures

Uzo held his brother’s hand as they walked. The wind blew and ruffled his hair as it did the green, lush grass, and he chuckled. The ten-year-old was joyful that his brother walked with him in such a beautiful place.

Their mother agreed to let Onyeoma, his brother, take him hunting, and Uzo walked out of the house proud, a big boy. Onyeoma didn’t seem to want to hunt and kept strolling with him through the green pastures. He prepared a picnic near an odorless, and clear stream, under a towering fruit tree, and they ate. All this beauty wasn’t enough, Uzo wanted action. He sought to hunt down a small animal for his mother and be called a hero.

They walked on bare feet, enjoying the way the grass tickled the soles of their feet. There was no clear path, but his brother seemed to know the area and walked with confidence.

“When do we start to hunt? The day is almost over.” Uzo asked, looking up at his brother.

“Soon, Uzo, be patient. I want to show you the land today so that you can know it. Remember all the places we passed through. You will need the knowledge when you start to hunt on your own.”

“But I want to hunt today. I want to take something back to mama.” Uzo cried distressed.

Onyeoma knelt and held his brother’s shoulders. “Trust me to teach you to hunt the right way, okay.”

Uzo nodded, looking away so his brother wouldn’t see the errant tears.

After that conversation, Uzo lost his appreciation for the beauty and peace of the land. He found no pleasure in the mundane and sought action over wisdom. A while later, the evening almost upon them, Uzo wanted to ease himself.

“I want to go the tall bush to ease myself,” Uzo said, pointing at the dense vegetation on the left.

“Are you sure? I don’t think it’s safe. Since it’s just us, do it nearby.” Onyeoma said with a smile.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be fine; I’m a big boy now.”

“Okay, go, do your thing. I will wait for you.”

In the Valley

Uzo went towards the area he chose, and before his brother could see, disappeared. He smiled as he walked, removing the little knife he stole from the kitchen before leaving the house, from his pocket. He would take a dead animal home.

He didn’t go far before he heard Onyeoma calling out to him. Uzo walked faster, his mind filled with getting away from his brother and finding a baby rabbit to hunt. After a few minutes, Onyeoma’s calls seemed far away, and Uzo relaxed. He would try his luck before his brother found him.

When he focused on hunting, he noticed the tall grass appeared to hover over him, closing him in. Uzo couldn’t see past it, and fear like a dark smoky hand held his heart tight. The boy turned and headed back to where he thought he last heard his brother’s cries.

“Onyeoma, I’m here, Onyeoma,” Uzo called.

“Uzo, stay where you are, I am coming to find you.”

The grass seemed to have gained life and was moving in on him. He kept going forward in a panic, almost out of breath, until the grass cleared, and he stood on barren ground. He looked back to the green vegetation, relieved to be out of its clutches, but surprised such a desert could be close to it.

“Onyeoma, Onyeoma, I’m here.”

There was no response, but Uzo heard movement behind him. He turned with a smile to see his brother and screamed. Three hyenae circled him, with their fangs widening. The animal in front bent his head at his cry and moved forward, faster.

The hungry beast hurled itself at Uzo, eyes red, with glistening sharp teeth, when a rod struck its head on the side with force.

Uzo, who had fallen in fear, looked up at his brother’s face before losing consciousness.

He woke on his bed, with a big ache in his head. He turned to see Onyeoma seating by him.

“Onyeoma.” He said, calling to his savior.

Onyeoma woke up, looked at him, and smiled.

“You are awake, Uzo. You’ve been through a lot.”

“I’m sorry I should have listened to you.”

“It’s okay. Next time, walk with me and learn from me. You cannot do this alone. There are wild beasts, dark places, and traps everywhere.”

Uzo beamed. “There will be a next time?”

Onyeoma ruffled his hair. “Of course, I will make a great hunter out of you.”

Uzo lay back on his pillow, grateful for his brother’s love, forgiveness, and protection.

Till next time, be transformed!!