Chapter 1

It was just another ordinary day for Abella, a herbalist residing in a small rural village on the border.

As part of her routine, she ascended the mountain to collect herbs. With the imminent onset of the rainy season and the approaching typhoon, Abella aimed to gather enough herbs to ensure she wouldn’t run out during the season.

This led her to venture even deeper into the mountains than usual. Amidst the search, Abella, noticing a scarcity of herbs, rolled her eyes while diligently scanning the mountains with a keen eye using her distinctive pink gaze.

“I must fill at least one basket; otherwise, how will I endure until the rainy season subsides?” A profound sense of worry etched itself onto her young face.

Despite her young age, Abella hustled with even more zeal than usual. Her diminutive stature helped her to easily cross the rugged mountain slopes.

As she worked, she pondered how much longer she could sustain this pace. The sun, once radiant, was now setting, casting a reddish-brown hue across the sky as it readied itself for rest.

They needed to descend the mountain before darkness set in. Despite not having filled a single basket, Abella began packing up her bags, attempting to conceal her frustration. As she dusted off her hands, preparing to stand up, a sudden event unfolded.

“CHING…….”

The distressing sound of an animal reached Abella’s ears.

“Ching…… ching…….”

Surprised, her eyes widened, and she drew in a breath. She strained her ears, verifying that she wasn’t imagining things, and awaited another sound from the distressed animal.

Abella hesitated, torn between the curiosity of finding the source of the distressed animal sounds and the potential danger it might pose. However, her compassionate instincts seem to lean towards helping the creature. She took a deep breath and looked around, trying to locate the source of the whimpering.

“Let’s go check it out,” she suggested, motioning for her companions to follow her. As they moved deeper into the forest, the sounds of distress grew louder, guiding them toward the injured or distressed animal.

Abella felt a sense of urgency and compassion for the distressed creature. Despite the potential risks, she couldn’t ignore its cries. Taking a deep breath, she motioned for her companions to stay back cautiously.

“I’ll go ahead and check it out. Stay close, but be prepared for anything,” she instructed the others, her hand on the hilt of her weapon.

Slowly and carefully, she made her way toward the source of the distress, maintaining a respectful distance in case it was a protective mother.

“Ching…… ching…… ching…… ching…….”

Abella’s heart sank at the sight of the injured wolf pup. Her concern overrode any fear she might have felt. Gently approaching the creature, she assessed its condition and examined the injuries.

“Poor thing… What happened to you?” Abella whispered, her eyes filled with compassion. She carefully inspected the wounds, trying to determine the extent of the injuries and if there was anything she could do to help.

“Be ready to provide some cover, but don’t approach too quickly. We don’t want to provoke any defensive reactions from the mother if she’s around,” Abella instructed her companions, who were watching from a distance.

* * *

However, today was different. Abella’s entire focus was on the injured wolf pup. She rushed into her home, laid out a soft blanket, and gently placed the tiny creature on it.

“Now, let me see those injuries,” Abella murmured, her hands moving with practiced care. She examined the wounds, cleaning them as gently as possible. The little wolf pup, despite its pain, seemed to understand that Abella was trying to help and didn’t resist.

Abella was lost in her task, her thoughts solely on providing comfort and care to the injured animal. She called for some clean cloth and water, instructing her companions to be quiet and avoid sudden movements that could startle the little one.

As she worked, Abella’s heart swelled with compassion. The animal’s vulnerability reminded her of her own struggles, and an unspoken connection formed between them.

Abella’s compassion overruled any concerns about the cost of the herbs. She continued to work diligently, applying the herbs carefully and ensuring the wounds were well-treated. The wolf pup, despite the initial discomfort, gradually seemed to relax under Abella’s gentle touch.

As she worked, Abella couldn’t help but think about the vulnerability of life, how easily it could be taken away, and how essential it was to cherish and protect it.

The connection between her own struggles and the injured creature before her deepened, creating a bond that transcended words.

Word of Abella’s unusual patient spread through the village. People came to her house, curious about the commotion. When they saw the injured wolf pup and Abella diligently tending to its wounds, the villagers couldn’t help but feel a mixture of surprise and admiration.

Abella, lost in her mission to save the tiny life in her care, welcomed the support of her community. The act of compassion rippled through the village, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose.

The wolf pup lay there, still and vulnerable, its injuries now treated and its breathing stabilizing. Abella couldn’t help but feel a surge of compassion and protectiveness toward the small creature.

With a soft sigh, she continued to stroke the wolf’s fur gently, almost as if comforting it with her touch.

The villagers who had gathered in her house watched in awe as Abella, known for her quiet and reserved demeanor, showed such tenderness toward the injured animal.

One of the villagers, an elderly woman with a weathered face, spoke up, “It’s a rare sight, Abella, to see you so concerned about a creature other than your herbs. What do you plan to do with the little one?”

Abella looked at the villagers, her expression thoughtful. “I can’t just leave him alone in the mountains. He won’t survive on his own, especially in this condition.”

The villagers nodded in agreement, recognizing the practicality of her words. They discussed among themselves, offering suggestions and support for Abella’s unexpected rescue mission.

The sense of community and shared responsibility deepened as they collectively considered the fate of the wolf pup.

As Abella continued to care for the wolf pup, her thoughts swirled with a mix of concern and determination. She knew that nursing the young creature back to health would be a gradual process, and she was ready to dedicate her time and resources to ensure its recovery.

Days turned into weeks, and the wolf pup slowly regained its strength. Its once listless eyes began to shine with vitality, and its playful antics returned.

Abella found solace in watching the transformation, a silent acknowledgment of the bond that had formed between them.

The villagers marveled at Abella’s commitment to the wolf, often stopping by her house to check on the progress of their unexpected guest. The once-timid creature became a source of joy and fascination for the entire community.

As the weeks passed, Abella faced a dilemma. The wolf pup, now healthier and more energetic, seemed ready to return to the wild.

Yet, the bond they had developed made parting difficult for Abella. She pondered the choices before her, torn between letting the wolf go and keeping it as a companion.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and painted the sky with hues of orange and purple, Abella sat outside her house with the wolf pup at her side.

The villagers observed from a distance, awaiting Abella’s decision, respecting the connection she had forged with the creature.

Abella’s life had been rearranged by the unexpected arrival of the wolf pup. Her commitment to its well-being had disrupted her routine and left her exhausted.

The villagers, understanding the special bond between Abella and the wolf, offered support in various ways.

As Abella ventured to the store for much-needed supplies, she was greeted with warmth and understanding from her neighbors.

They expressed gratitude for the care she had given to the wolf pup and assured her that they would help maintain her herb shop until she could fully return to her business.

The store owner, aware of Abella’s situation, extended a line of credit, allowing her to purchase the necessary provisions.

The kindness of the villagers provided Abella with a sense of community and reinforced the importance of the bonds they shared.

Returning home with the supplies, Abella resumed her vigil by the side of the wolf pup. The creature had become a symbol of resilience and hope, and its presence had touched the hearts of everyone in the village.

As Abella continued to care for the wolf, she couldn’t help but wonder about the unique connection that had brought them together and what the future held for both of them.

Abella’s mind was divided between her responsibilities at the store and her concern for the wolf pup. As she attended to her herbalist duties, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of anxiety about leaving the wounded creature alone.

The thought of hunters discovering the wolf and potentially causing harm weighed heavily on her mind.

Throughout the day, she wondered about the well-being of the wolf’s cubs, questioning whether they could fend for themselves.

Abella’s compassionate nature made it challenging for her to concentrate on her work, as her thoughts constantly returned to the creature she had taken under her care.

As evening approached, Abella couldn’t resist the pull to return home and check on the wolf pup. The villagers, aware of her situation, offered assistance to ensure her store continued to operate smoothly.

The support of the community allowed Abella the freedom to balance her responsibilities and her newfound commitment to the wolf’s recovery.

Abella’s concern for the wolf’s well-being persisted, and she found herself adjusting her daily routine to accommodate the wounded creature.

Opening the shop later and closing earlier allowed her more time to care for the wolf, demonstrating the depth of her compassion.

However, despite the healing progress of the wolf’s wound, it seemed unable to stand or walk independently. Abella couldn’t shake her worries, especially since the wolf wasn’t eating on its own.

The untouched milk and lack of any signs of consumption raised further concerns about the creature’s condition.

Upon returning home, Abella was met with the sight of the wolf wrapped in a fluffy blanket, mirroring the state she had left it in earlier.

The uneaten milk indicated that the wolf was still dependent on her care, intensifying Abella’s determination to nurse the creature back to health.

“Holy……!”

She hadn’t eaten anything without me.