The unexpected storm proved to be the first in a string of strange
occurrences in the woods. The lotus begin to bloom, glowing white-hot as
its petals opened in the following days. After the silt had settled, the
tribe had found that the pond water was clear enough to drink from.
Small brown mushrooms begin sprouting around the edges of the pond. It
was a pleasant surprise to discover that not only were they edible, but
they were also fragrant, releasing an exquisite umami flavor after
roasting over a fire.
This period of relative peace and abundance was unfortunately
short-lived. It was the last week of spring, when the tribe had begun
preparing for the summer harvest. Some weaved baskets, while others
fashioned blades and made jars. After a full day’s work, the tribe’s
children gathered at dusk to play one of the oldest games known to
mankind—hide and seek. No hiding spots were off-limits, except the main
storehouse: a cavernous room carved out of the trunk of one of the
largest trees. This rule’s only function was to prevent children from
playing in the storehouse, which was usually full of the most precious
and fragile fruits. However, this was one of the rare times that it
stood empty. It had recently been cleaned out in anticipation of the
plentiful summer harvest. Simon, the youngest fruit-picker, was quick to
take advantage of this exception.
Simon bid his time. Before long, it was just him and the seeker who
remained in the clearing around which their hammocks hung. He looked
around quickly to make sure that everyone else had already ran to their
favorite hiding spots. Now, he could finally put his plan into action.