Tuktu Hinterlands you keep avoiding me

this was a season of transition. learning to move was difficult but not impossible. it'd been a few days since anathi'd left the den. he was able to maneuver, albeit poorly, and could stand for seconds at a time. count it all joy, he thought. 

there was no time for rest. when he wasn't attempting (and failing) to hunt, anathi was working on his balance. without consistent movement, his muscles would atrophy (umntu ofileyo, they called it) and the hunter would never again know health.

that wasn't an option, he decided. 

ahead was a stranger, a female it seemed. there'd been too many encounters with her type wherein anathi was in a place of need. this time, even on his wobbly legs, he had to show his power. it took him a moment to steady himself, but soon enough, he was standing somewhat still. he chuffed and waited for her response.