The hunters forgot about the mermaid for a moment and started running toward the direction of the antelope, lifting their guns in the air, ready to shoot. Their boots made loud noises on the dry leaves as they rushed away, shouting and calling to one another.
Amara’s eyes widened in surprise. She saw it as her only chance.
She came out quickly from her hiding place and ran back to the mermaid.
“Please, let’s go now before they come back,” Amara whispered, her hands moving fast to untie the rope.
Her fingers were shaking as she pulled at the tight knot. The rope was rough and strong, and it hurt her fingers, but she did not stop. The mermaid whimpered in pain, but she looked at Amara with hope in her eyes.
“Thank you. Thank you,” the mermaid whispered weakly.
Amara finally untied the last knot, and the rope fell to the ground. The mermaid’s arms dropped to her sides, and she leaned against the tree, too weak to stand properly.
Amara looked around quickly. She could still hear the hunters’ voices, but they were now farther away, closer to the river, shouting and calling one another as they searched for the antelope.
She knew she had to leave immediately or they would return and find the mermaid missing.
The mermaid tried to stand but fell back, her silver tail brushing against the dry leaves.
“Please help me,” she whispered.
Amara bent down, wrapped her arms around the mermaid’s waist, and tried to lift her. The mermaid was heavy, and Amara was not strong enough, but she tried her best. She placed the mermaid’s arm over her shoulder, and the mermaid leaned heavily on Amara. Her swollen belly made it hard for her to move easily.
Amara took one step, then another, her legs shaking under the weight. They moved slowly, step by step, trying to avoid the dry leaves that made noise beneath their feet.
The mermaid winced in pain, breathing heavily and holding her stomach.
“Ah… ah…” she groaned softly.
Amara looked at her with pity. She did not know how long it would take to reach her hut, but she could not leave the mermaid behind.
Every few minutes, Amara had to stop and rest. She would bend down, allowing the mermaid to sit on the ground for a moment while she wiped the sweat from her face.
Her clay pot of water was still behind them, but she could not carry it now. She left it there and focused only on getting the mermaid to safety.
The morning sun was beginning to rise, and the birds were singing louder now. Amara’s wrapper was soaked with sweat and her back was aching, but she kept moving. The mermaid was crying softly, her face pale and her hands holding her big belly.
“Please don’t leave me. I don’t want to die,” she kept whispering.
“I will not leave you,” Amara said, even though her body was exhausted and her legs were shaking.
Leave a Comment