The Roar of the Falls: My Journey with Kaya

I tell Kaya that we should go back to camp to get help. Besides, Eetsa will be worried about us soon. Kaya nods and somberly looks into the horse’s eyes. she says she doesn’t want to leave, but she must. They should run for help. It’s a risk, but they have to try.

We lead the horse slowly to the side of the clearing where there’s long grass to rest in. Kaya plucks a handful of grass and twists it into a soft wisp. She binds it around Little Girl’s leg like a bandage. I clear away some broken branches so she’ll have a comfortable place to lie down. Kaya whispers to Little Girl to have courage. We’ll be back soon.

The sun has almost completely disappeared from the horizon, and the sky is a dark purple. I look back at Little Girl sitting in the grass. She looks vulnerable, and I wish there was more we could do for her.

Kaya and I run for the river and the safety of camp. But the distance seems much longer on foot, and the night is growing dimmer and colder by the minute. Shadows surround us. I’m chilly and clammy, and my feet hurt from stumbling against the tough hillocks of the grass. Kaya keeps a steady pace, and I want to ask for a break, but it seems wimpy to ask. Instead, I focus on scanning the horizon for any sign of camp. Nothing, just black darkness.

Just then, we hear a howl nearby. My heart gives a big thump.