When Tian arrived home, he opened the door slowly, hoping not to make any noise. However, his hopes were dashed when he saw his mother standing in the living room with a worried face and a sharp gaze.
"Tian! Where have you been? Why did you come home so late?" his mother's voice sounded firm but filled with concern.
Tian was startled and immediately lowered his head, feeling guilty. "I'm sorry, Mom... I fell asleep in the meadow, so I came home late," he replied softly.
His mother sighed deeply, trying to calm herself. "You made me worry! How many times have I told you not to come home late? What if something happened to you?"
In the corner of the room, his father sat quietly, observing the conversation with a calm but sharp gaze. He said nothing, just watching his son with full attention.
Tian raised his face slightly, looking at his mother with a remorseful expression. "Forgive me, Mom. I promise I won't do it again," he said sincerely.
Seeing her son's expression, his mother's face softened a little. She sighed again, this time more gently. "Alright... But don't let this happen again. Now quickly clean yourself up and rest. You have to wake up early tomorrow."
Tian nodded quickly. "Yes, Mom."
As he walked toward his room, he glanced at his father. The man was still silent, but this time he gave a slight smile and nodded slowly. Tian felt a little relieved.
In his room, Tian immediately lay down on his bed. His mind was still filled with the events from earlier.
"Tomorrow I have to wake up early to get that wild boar," he thought before finally closing his eyes, falling asleep in exhaustion.
Outside, the sound of the night wind whispered gently, bringing tranquility to the entire village. That night, Tian slept with mixed feelings—between excitement, tension, and fatigue.
A Busy Morning
The sound of knocking on his bedroom door woke Tian from his sleep.
"Knock... knock... knock..."
From outside, his mother's voice could be heard. "Tian, wake up! The sun is already high! You'll be late for the meadow!" she shouted.
Tian stretched in bed, pulling the blanket tighter around him. "Hmmm... just a little longer, Mom..." he mumbled with a heavy voice, his eyes still closed.
However, his mother did not give up. This time, the knocking sounded louder.
"Get up! Don't be lazy! Aren't you supposed to take your goat to the meadow?" her voice was more urgent.
Tian finally sighed deeply and got out of bed. "Okay, okay, Mom... I'm getting up," he said lazily, rubbing his still heavy eyes.
After washing his face and having a quick breakfast, Tian immediately left the house. However, instead of preparing to take his goat as usual, he walked away without leading the animal.
His mother, watching him from the door, felt puzzled.
"Wait... Tian! Why aren't you taking your goat today?" she asked suspiciously.
Tian was startled for a moment but quickly formulated an excuse. He turned and smiled awkwardly.
"Oh... today I just want to gather some grass, Mom. I won't be long," he replied casually.
His mother looked at him with a scrutinizing gaze but eventually just nodded. "Alright... Don't stay out too long, okay?"
"Yes, Mom!" Tian replied quickly before running toward the path.
His heart raced. "I have to get there before anyone finds the wild boar!" he thought.
That morning, Tian ran toward the forest with quick steps. The fresh air greeted his face, but his mind was focused on one thing—the two wild boars he had hidden the night before.
"I hope no one finds them..." he thought anxiously.
When he arrived at the marked spot, Tian immediately searched for the pile of branches he had used to cover his prey.
"Crackle... crackle..."
Tian's hands quickly uncovered the leaves and dry twigs. Once the pile was opened, he saw the two wild piglets still lying stiffly beneath it.
"Phew... luckily no wild animals found them," Tian said with relief.
Then he approached one and tried to lift it onto his back.
"Ugh...!" With a little effort, Tian managed to lift it without difficulty. This was not too surprising, considering he was used to lifting heavy loads, like carrying a large tub of water from the well to his house.
However, when his gaze returned to the remaining wild boar, he began to think.
"Ahh... but how am I going to carry the other one? Should I come back after selling this one?" he murmured doubtfully.
But his brain quickly found a solution.
"That's right! What if I carry both at once?" he exclaimed enthusiastically.
Tian quickly searched for a strong, long stick. After finding one, he gathered plant roots to use as binding. Skillfully, he tied the legs of the wild boar to the ends of the stick.
He smiled with satisfaction at his work.
"There! Now I can carry both at once."
With the wild boars hanging from both ends of the stick he balanced on his shoulder, Tian started walking toward the village market.
Along the way, Tian passed several villagers who were busy with their morning activities. Some of them immediately noticed Tian carrying two wild boars by himself.
In the distance, a middle-aged man called out to him.
"Tian! Is that you? Where did you get such big wild boars?" a villager shouted with curiosity.
Tian, who was actually feeling nervous, tried to remain calm. He smiled and gave a vague answer.
"I-I... hunted them... using traps!" he replied hesitantly.
Another villager, hearing that answer, furrowed his brow.
"Traps? Even for adults, catching wild boars is not easy because they are so agile, let alone with just traps. Did you really catch them by yourself?" he asked with a surprised expression.
Another man shook his head in amazement. "And it's impressive that you can carry both at once, while adults need two people to lift a single wild boar! That's incredible, Tian!" he exclaimed, not believing the strength of the twelve-year-old boy.
Tian just chuckled softly and nodded, trying to avoid further conversation.
"Sorry, uncles! I have to hurry to the market!" he said while quickening his pace, passing them before more questions arose.
"Be careful not to fall," one villager said.
He continued walking through the village roads surrounded by wheat fields. The morning breeze blew gently, making the plants sway slowly. The rising sunlight provided warmth, but Tian remained focused on his goal.
After a considerable distance, Tian finally arrived at the village market.
This market was located in the village square, simple but always bustling with activity. Although there was only one small stall for each type of merchandise, the voices of vendors and buyers blended into one, creating the characteristic atmosphere of a traditional market.
In one corner, a vegetable seller shouted loudly.
"The vegetable prices are very cheap today! Fresh from the fields!" he shouted, trying to attract buyers' attention.
Right next to him, a fishmonger was also busy offering his goods.
"Fresh fish! Just caught from the river this morning!" he shouted while pointing at the fish still flopping on his stall.
The market was filled with various vendors selling vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat. Although it only consisted of a few small stalls, this place was the center of the village's economic life.
Tian walked among the vendors, his eyes occasionally glancing at the goods on the right and left. However, his mind remained focused on one thing: selling these wild boars as quickly as possible.
Of course, the vendors in the square were surprised to see Tian carrying two wild boars by himself.
"Hey... Tian, did you hunt those wild boars by yourself?" one vendor asked.
"Yes, uncle," Tian replied, bombarded with several questions from the vendors and buyers at the market.
But Tian continued to walk forward because he needed to find the traveling merchant who usually stopped by his village.