The Misadventures of a Monster Hunter: Episode 1: Empty Stomachs

[Alexander Baker]

Jacob and the little girl sat on the end of the wagon as it bounced down the road. He quickly lunged for the gas mask as it began to fall from the cart. "Damn roads," he muttered, noticing his breath in the air.

"Papa, how long will it be before we get to eat again?" She asked.

He sighed and smiled as his daughter moved closer to him, "Hopefully soon dear. Should be nearing a town soon," he said as both their stomachs let out a loud grumble.

"I think we have some bread left," he said digging into the pack, pulling out a piece of balled up cloth and unraveling it, took out the little bit of bread and handed it to his daughter. "Here you go, hon...." He consoled as she started eating it. That was the last of the food till they hit the next town. He was used to going without, but it pained him to see her without it regularly.

He thought, 'If only she hadn't left, our poor daughter wouldn't have to worry about her next meal. I'm her only family and I can't just give her up, not like this....'

Jacob looked to his daughter again and smiled. "I promise we will get everything back to normal."

"You mean mama coming back?" she asked, her face lighting up.

"Yes dear, we will find mama," he crooned ruffling her hair. He peered from their hiding spot on the cart. As he saw the lights of a village, he noticed the sun was getting closer and closer to the horizon.

His stomach let out a loud growl. His daughter and him just laughed as the smell of fresh bread started to fill the cool, crisp air.

To be continued...