The Ugly Duckling Of The Tiger Tribe-Chapter 236: Maybe I was just tired

I walked out of the cave and squinted at the bright light. Being in the dark cave for a long time makes coming out into the light quite exhausting.

The last time I went out was the previous night, and I seldom have to leave the cave when it’s bright out, unless I’m really pressed or want to pee.

I’m telling you, the first few days after delivery were hell in that aspect. I felt unimaginable sensations down there that I can’t explain even now. Let’s just say, it was a very memorable experience on the journey to becoming a mother.

I’m thankful I’m healed now. The herbs the rabbit midwife left had a miracle effect, almost like that of Damar’s, but this one wasn’t Minty. Will my entrance ever go back to the way it was? Well, I have no idea but I should give it enough time to heal completely so I don’t get any complications later.

A cold breeze blew and rustled my hair back. I tucked the stray strands aside and then looked down at the basket in my hand. My cubs lay there, sleeping like the world was all roses and sunshine.

Cute how their nose twitched every now and then, and how their tails wiggled faintly. Must be having a nice dream, I assume.

I had them tucked in carefully so they wouldn’t catch a cold, but who knows what these little fellas will be up to the moment they open their eyes.

I took in a deep breath and then let it out. No matter what, whether cold or hot, the air outside still felt so much better to breathe in. I’ve been living in the cave for so long that I’ve gotten tired of it.

Then, an arm found its way around my neck, and another around my waist.

Fenric and Noah stood by my side, Fenric to the left and Noah to the right.

"Come, let’s take a walk."

This walk was to help me clear my mind, I told myself. Whether what I had seen in the cave was real or not, whether it was a figment of my imagination or Damar had really been staring at me with such piercing eyes, I shouldn’t worry.

In the end, Damar was Damar. He wouldn’t do anything to hurt me.

I stepped out fully, my boot digging into the snow bed outside and I realized it had decreased a lot. Not only that, the trees ahead, once dried up and covered in snow, were beginning to have green leaves sticking out of the branches.

Hah, spring was here before I knew it. How wonderful.

I clutched the basket to my chest, my fingers tightening over the light wood. The cubs didn’t seem to mind the change in position; the boy just let out a tiny, muffled sneeze and buried his face deeper into his sister’s side.

Is he already picking favourites or did he do that simply looking for warmth?

"See?" Noah murmured, and I raised my head.

He was looking at the trees that were slowly beginning to grow back.

"The world didn’t end while you were suffering, Little Tiger."

If this were back then, when I was suffering so much with mood swings and depression, I’d have said that’s unfortunate, but my mind is clear now, so I can smile and think of it as a good thing.

"The world around us did seem to pause at some point." I said, "It didn’t end, but maybe it took a nap."

"Then it was probably a very long, very cold nap," Fenric whispered, and I nodded.

As a snow tiger, I’m sure he knows the cold better. Winters are always cold, but there are times when a winter becomes especially cold. I think this was the latter.

I looked at the trees again. The ’green’ was subtle—just tiny, brave nubs of life pushing through the branches and seeing the light of day. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

They fought the winter too, and now they’ve won once again.

My heart, which had been tight with that lingering image of Damar’s predatory gaze, finally began to settle.

’Maybe I was just tired,’ I reasoned. ’Maybe the lack of light was playing tricks on my brain.’

Or maybe I’m just too cowardly to admit any of my suspicions.

"It’s going to be a long wet walk to the West-Way with all our things," Fenric noted, his ruby eyes scanning the horizon.

Our things? Do we still even have things to take with us? I was sure we’ve used almost all of our supplies but I guess the tools still remain.

Fenric looked more relaxed out here, his shoulders broad and free of the cave’s literal and metaphorical ceiling.

"But don’t worry, Arinya." His grip on my waist tightened a little bit. "If things get tough, I’ll always carry you. And take care of the little ones as well," he leaned his face closer but Noah palmed his face and pushed him back.

"Don’t count your chickens before they hatch," Noah said, that sly look on his face saying he had other plans. "I know the planes better than you, so it’s our best bet to have the little tiger ride on me."

Ride? Please, let’s use friendly language.

And when will he stop calling me little tiger?

I mean, I’m already a mum. If he calls me that, what does he expect our babies to call me?

"I’m not counting anything," Fenric said, grabbing his hand and tightening his grip. A little more and he was going to snap Noah’s wrist. "What was the word you used? Ah, yes, I called Dibs." He grinned and Noah pouted, twisting his lips with narrowed eyes.

He pulled me to his side, but Fenric did not let him be and held me firmly by the waist.

My body tingled and my grip on the basket tightened. We’re they really going to fight like this? Jeez.

It was peaceful now, with no worry of the cold, staying in the shelter for any longer, and food. It was normal.

But I felt the tension draining out of my neck, the ’five kids’ I was raising finally felt like a burden placed upon little ol me, who has just one body, one brain, and two hands.

They should act their age, really. They’re so immature.