The Last Laugh

***

We each mounted a horse and set off on our journey. I loved joining my dad and uncle ken in such little adventures. I was more than excited! I was actually going hunting with them.

We rode out of the ranch and headed for the woods on horseback.

After some time, we reached the woods. It was quiet and only the sound of a soft wind could be heard.

"Dad?" I called.

"Yes?"

"What will y'all use to capture the animals?" I asked curiously.

"Well son, in the case of little animals like rabbits, we have nets."

"And for the bigger ones, we'd be using arrows." Uncle ken added.

"Why arrows?"

"Because the sound of gunshots would scare our horses away."

"Ooh, okay. I'm just so happy to be here." I said joyfully. Dad and uncle ken chuckled. I smiled and closely followed them from behind.

As we explored the forest, after about an hour while we still searched for any prey, I noticed a wooden house somewhere in a corner of that part of the forest in which we were.

It didn't look old but at the same time it seemed to be deserted.

"Dad, uncle Ken, look at that house." I said pointing at it.

They looked at it.

"I wonder who lives there." my dad said.

"Nobody." uncle Ken replied, "For as long as I remember, ever since I started hunting in these woods, I've never seen any signs of life around that house."

We looked at the house again.

a beautiful

Anyway, let's continue with

***

in the afternoon, yet we hadn't caught any

salad sandwiches. They were delicious and I really enjoyed

we resumed. I was

caught a gazelle. My dad had shot it straight with his bow and arrow. I felt so proud and happy. It was my first time of experiencing hunting.

really tired, Sheridan." my dad

I want to do is

heading for home earlier today. Instead of Nine,

just

*

only thing we

the long journey back home. But then, bad

remaining light from the six o'clock sky. Lightening flashed from different parts of the sky and thunder could be heard announcing the arrival of heavy

"We still have a long way but the rain

heavy and fat drops of rain began

wooden house

as possible to the house. Places were already dark. We rode through the cold breeze and the starting drops of

reached the house and yes, it wasn't inhabited. We

I couldn't. The windows were covered by thick curtains. I wondered who might

Rain. Tiredness. All that for us. The rain poured and poured along with

really tired and I needed to sleep. That day hadn't

was more than happy when we

*

High Meadows at Thirty minutes past nine. And that was because the horses

my gawd, I was so worried about all of you!" Aunt Christina exclaimed when we entered the house. The electricity was cut because of the rain and so she had lit candles everywhere in

should all sit down.

ken and

just wanna sleep." I was more than

uncle Kenneth

"Yes."

as

"No problem, dad."