It was said that each individual was different from others. That was definitely true.
After all, for , who had learned all these from life directly itself, those types of words were sothing I ca to a conclusion on my own.
"Astron…Co here….."
It was a natural day for . Hearing my father's words from outside, I slowly made my way out of my room.
TOK! TOK!
"Oh, you are finally awake, you brat."
As I stepped down the stairs, I saw Mother washing the dishes left from yesterday. She threw a small side look at , her brows furrowed. Well, she was kind of right; I had overslept. But what can I do?
The book was addicting, and I couldn't stop reading it until midnight.
PUFF! PUFF
The cooker was making puffing sounds from the side. I guess we are going to eat sothing good today.
"Good morning, mother."
I greeted Mother with a smile.
"….Sigh…."
Mother sighed as her brows returned to their normal shape imdiately. I knew that whenever she was angry at if she wasn't that mad, she would just calm down with my smile. I guess she was weak to that, but at the sa ti, I needed to pay attention so that she wouldn't get too used to my smile too much.
"Just go away; your father is waiting for you outside."
I couldn't help but feel a sense of inward happiness as I observed my mother's sigh turning into a softer expression. It seed like my smile worked out once again.
"Thanks, Mother. I'll be quick," I said, trying not to push my luck with her mood.
'I wonder what those cities ntioned in the book look like.'
I asked myself. It was a question that I could never answer, but I could also never stop pondering about it.
Sothing inside was always asking that question; it was never satisfied. But I also knew that thinking about these wouldn't bring any answers at all.
Leaving the house, I stepped into the crisp morning air, feeling a sense of anticipation for the day ahead. As I approached the front yard, I saw my father waiting for with his usual warm smile. However, the sight of the axe in his hand hinted at the day's task.
'No…..'
I wanted to protest, but I didn't. After all, knowing that she was doing her best, I needed to do my own part, too.
"Morning, Dad," I greeted, trying to match his cheerful deanor.
"Morning, Astron! Ready for so hard work today?" he exclaid, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
I nodded, knowing that our family's tradition of gathering woods for the upcoming winter was about to begin. It was a task that brought us together and ensured we were well-prepared for the colder months ahead.
"Today, we're going to get so sturdy ones. Winter's coming, and we need to be ready," he explained, his hand gripping the axe firmly.
As we ventured into the nearby woods, the crisp air filled with the scent of pine, I couldn't help but feel a little bit guilty. After all, even though we led a simple yet fulfilling life, I was never satisfied with that.
Throughout the day, I did my best to assist my father in gathering logs for the upcoming winter. The rhythmic sound of the axe echoed through the woods, blending with the natural symphony of chirping birds and rustling leaves.
Although the task was physically demanding, I couldn't help but appreciate the bonding ti with my father.
However, it beca evident that my body was not as robust as my father's.
"Haaaah…..Haaah….."
After a short while, I found myself becoming breathless and fatigued. Despite my efforts to keep up, I struggled to match the stamina required for such labor.
'Again….'
This was a crucial weakness of mine. Sothing I had hated from the bottom of my heart. Whenever sothing that required physical movent appeared, I would always struggle with it.
I guess that is why the kids from the village don't want to play with . I can't bla them, though. Who would want to play with soone who can't even run for 10 seconds?
My father noticed my exhaustion and flashed a reassuring smile. "Easy there, Astron! Don't worry, we're not in a rush," he said, chuckling a bit. "Take a breather, and we'll continue at your pace."
He always smiled at in tis like these, trying to encourage . After noticing that I wasn't playing with other kids, he ca to and started bringing to such tasks. He said it was our family's tradition for the youngsters to learn how old ones lived early.
But, yet, inwardly, I knew. There was no such tradition because such a tradition didn't make sense at all. After all, what kind of child would start these labors at such an age?
Other kids are always playing as well. So, I knew. Father was trying to help so that I wouldn't feel lonely. Maybe that is why he is smiling like that right now and doesn't like staying with either. Despite his smiles and encouragent, I sensed that he, too, wished I could be more like the others.
As I caught my breath, my mind wandered.
'If I was a little bit like her….'
Rembering how she effortlessly captivated everyone with her talents, and her radiant smile made her a beloved figure among the villagers. I couldn't help but entertain the thought of how different my life would be if I had her skills.
'No, no, no….'
But then, I imdiately regretted my thoughts. What I was thinking incredibly felt disgusting to . After all, I knew it wasn't easy for her, too, and how many countless sleepless nights she had spent on her own so that she could et the expectations of others.
My father, noticing sothing was wrong with , asked, "Is sothing wrong, Astron?"
I hesitated, torn between expressing my frustrations and maintaining the fa?ade of contentnt. But, knowing that telling would never change anything, I decided to stay silent.
"It's nothing, Dad. Just need a bit more rest," I replied, offering a half-hearted smile.
He studied for a mont as if trying to read beyond the surface. "Alright, take your ti. We're in no hurry, and I appreciate your help today."
With those words, he resud his task, allowing a mont of solitude.
"Haaah…"
I took a deep breath, appreciating the support my father offered, even if he couldn't fully comprehend the internal struggles I faced.
"Co on, Astron."
My lungs hurt a little, and I felt like my arms were already screaming for to stop. However, one day or another, this task will fall to . So of the uncles in the villages are already on their deathbeds, and their children are doing their labor for them. If I can't do it, who will when my father also becos like them?
'Don't think about such grim things, stupid Astron.'
I scolded myself internally. Instead, I focused on the present mont, on the shared labor that connected to my family, on the support my father offered, and on the determination to overco my physical limitations.
The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the forest floor. With each swing of the axe, I found a sense of purpose and resilience.
My father, sensing my silent struggles, continued to work alongside , offering both guidance and unspoken support.
As we gathered the last logs and made our way back ho, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishnt.
******
"Oh....Astron!"
Upon returning ho, I t with one of the reasons for my internal struggles as well as the reason why I always tried my best.
She stood there with her white hair cascading towards her waist, her shiny green eyes looking at mine.
Her face held an ethereal beauty that never failed to captivate those around her. High cheekbones accentuated her delicate features, and a pair of eyes, the color of lush forests, reflected wisdom beyond her years.
Despite the challenges she faced as the village's future shaman, her expression remained serene and determined.
She wore her usual shaman outfit, adorned with intricate patterns and symbols representing her connection to the spiritual realm. The vibrant colors seed to complent the natural beauty that surrounded her.
As the chosen successor to our village's spiritual responsibilities, her attire reflected not only tradition but also a commitnt to the role she would one day undertake.
It was evident that she had just returned from her duties. The faint scent of herbs and the markings of ritualistic powders on her hands were telltale signs, as well as her clothes.
My sister had a unique talent for communing with the spirits as well as her magic, a gift that set her apart in our small community.
SWOOSH!
She rushed to and hugged instantly, her gentle arms holding strength that I could never fight, nor would I ever try to.
"Welco back," I also greeted her with a genuine smile, montarily forgetting the physical strain from the day's labor.
"I missed you, Astron," she whispered, her voice carrying a warmth that lted away any lingering fatigue. Her embrace tightened, and for a mont, it felt like the struggles of the day vanished.
"It's only been three days," I teased, gently teasing her as I pulled back slightly to look into her eyes.
"Three days too long," she pouted, a playful glint in her eyes. "I couldn't help but think about you. Did you miss ?"
Her sulking expression was both adorable and endearing. I chuckled, unable to resist the charm she exuded. "Of course, I missed you. The house feels empty without your presence."
Well, it certainly did. At least, when she was around, I didn't need to feel like I wasn't able to do anything. Just being on her side seed enough in those tis.
Different from others, I never got her from the feeling that she disliked whenever I stamred. If there were one thing I was proud of myself, then it would be my eyes, though they were useless most of the ti.
And never once in her presence, I thought I wasn't needed.
Her mood lifted at my response, and she bead at . "That's more like it. Now, tell about your day. I heard from Mother that you went to the woods. Did you manage to impress Dad with your wood-gathering skills? Also, she said you stayed late once again and overslept. How many tis do I need to tell you? If you want to grow strong, you need to sleep early and wake up earlier."
Her playful nagging never failed to bring warmth to my heart. "You know . Always chasing the moon when everyone else is asleep," I replied with a smile of my own.
"Dad is there too, you know?" ca our dad's voice at that mont.
"Ah….." Realizing that she had been ignoring Father all the ti, she imdiately jolted back. "Dad…"
Father chuckled, patting her head affectionately. "It's alright. You were excited to hear about Astron's day."
"How was your stay at the shaman's ho, my princess?" Father asked, his eyes filled with pride and curiosity."
She bead, her eyes sparkling. "It was amazing, Dad! I've learned to harness the moon's power more effectively. The shaman said I have a unique connection with the celestial energy."
Listening to their conversation, I couldn't help but notice the genuine happiness in Father's eyes as he listened to her accomplishnts.
It was different from the encouraging smiles he gave during our wood gathering. His pride in my sister's magical abilities was evident, and I couldn't deny a pang of disgusting envy.
"Moon….."
As I looked at the moon shining in the dark sky, I couldn't help but think it was a little cruel that the moon left like this, different from others.
"Co on, let's eat, Astron."
But then again, none of those feelings mattered at all.
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