Eloquent Stories - The Home Of Vibrant Fiction, Volume 1, Issue 2, Fall 2005
Forest Fire
by
Amar B. Shrestha
Their faces glowed by the crackling fire lit with pine twigs that emitted a distinct tangy scent. All around them was the dark forest of tall pine and eucalyptus trees. Only the fire in the clearing gave off a bright incandescent glow for some distance around it. Sitting relaxed on cane chairs around the fire were a small girl of about twelve, a man in his forties and the old watchman in his khaki uniform. They were bantering in subdued voices. It was almost twelve in the night. Looking at the cozy threesome from her place at the swing a mere few feet away, she felt a pang of envy.
"You know Sir, " the watchman said. " Sometimes tigers come into this clearing and snoop."
"Really?" asked the little girl. "Do they harm anybody?"
"Well I have seen them here a couple of times, but I haven't heard about them hurting anybody yet," replied the old watchman whose name was Hari.
The middle-aged man gave a nervous laugh and gave a quick glance around him, " I wish one would come out now. I would like to see a tiger." Obviously, he was trying to sound brave for the benefit of his daughter, Hari knew.
"No Dad, don't say that," complained the little girl, Sabrina. " I am afraid of tigers."
"Don't worry, miss," assured Hari. "Even if one comes, if we don't disturb it, it will just go on its way."
"Yes, Sabrina, don't be so afraid," added her father.
Listening to them and especially listening to the father's comments, she laughed mirthlessly. Oh yes, he was the sort to display a show of bravado, but she knew well that he was a coward at heart. She had known him well enough and for long enough to have recognized his shortcomings. After all, she had been married to him for thirteen years. Remembering this, she stopped laughing and instead, a wave of sadness fell over her translucent face.
"Oh, how I wish Mummy were here," said her daughter.
"Hush dear," her Dad said softly. "Your Mom is always with us you know that. She's in our hearts."
The watchman gave the pair a look of deep understanding.
"You know Hari," said the middle-aged man. "I was here with my wife on this exact day ten years ago. We celebrated our third anniversary here."
"I think I remember Sir," said Hari. "Missy was this small then. And Madam was so beautiful."
Amar B. Shrestha is the Associate Editor and writer for ‘Spaces’, Nepal’s leading magazine on Art, Architecture and Design. He is also a freelance writer who has had more than 100 of his articles published in the country's reputed magazines and dailies. He has written on art, design, architecture, craft, personalities, professionals, nature, pets, culture, heritage preservation, industry, business, finance, management and sports as well as fiction.
Liked it? Hate it? Be sure to e-mail us with your comments and let us know. Thanks!
Don't forget to
vote for your favorite story.