Chapter 29: After Talking and waiting

Once the others were gone, Clara lifted the blanket, revealing more and more blisters on her legs. The pain was intensifying, and Mateo couldn't help but feel distressed. "How did this happen? Who did this?"

"Bring me the notebook. Let me see if there's a way to treat it."

Mateo had many questions, but now wasn't the time to ask. He handed Clara the notebook, and as she opened it, he watched her take a photo of the injury and then start analyzing it. Despite his concern, she was focused on the notebook. The wound seemed to be spreading, causing Mateo more anxiety.

Clara was in pain, feeling as if thousands of tiny insects were crawling on the wound. As she continued her analysis, she discovered it was snake venom. Frustrated with the abundance of Western medicine in the notebook, she desperately searched for traditional Asian medicine or herbs. Finally finding some, she exclaimed, "Mateo, do we have this flower here?" 

Mateo felt anxious and painful, and even more angry. He wanted to go out properly. , it was like this when she came back, it was Jimmy who brought her back, and he didn't say anything about what happened when she came back. Clara hid many things from him and didn't tell him. 

He glanced at Clara, but Clara was paying full attention to the pictures in the book. He looked at the flower she pointed at. There were some in the forest. He had seen them before, so he had better treat the disease first and wait until he was cured before he said, "I'll go out." Find medicine, you wait at home." 

Clara, absorbed in her work, looked up and asked, "Mateo, do we have this flower? It's essential for the antidote."

Mateo was exasperated. "Cla, why are you so obsessed with that notebook right now? You're hurt!"

Clara explained, "This notebook has a lot of information on medicinal plants and treatments. It's my best chance to figure out how to cure this."

Feeling helpless, Mateo sighed and said, "Fine, let me check if we have that flower. But first, let me take care of your wounds."

As Mateo left to find the flower, Jimmy entered the room. He used to visit Mateo's house frequently, but since Mateo got married, his visits became infrequent. The sight of Clara being carried back by Jimmy made Mateo feel a mix of emotions—surprise, anger, and worry.

"How are you feeling?" Jimmy asked.

Jimmy was the grandson of the tribe leader. He had grown up accustomed to taking care of others. Seeing Clara in this state made him regret not being able to protect her better. He couldn't understand why he felt this way, but sometimes he felt an obligation to look out for her.

Clara glanced at Jimmy. Despite the pain, she focused on the flower in the notebook. Jimmy, sensing her discomfort, asked again, "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine. Mateo went to get some medicine. Once I apply it, I'll be alright," Clara said, trying to sound at ease, although her legs still throbbed with pain.

The wound was covered by animal hide, making it invisible to Jimmy. He couldn't help but express his concern. "You were brought here by us, and the tribe leader agreed to let you stay. If you're unhappy here or if Mateo mistreats you, you have the right to change... change your partner."

Surprised, Clara looked at Jimmy, wondering why he was saying this. She also wondered why she was only learning about this aspect of jungle rules now. Changing partners was allowed! If Mateo was dissatisfied with her, he could replace her. To confirm her thoughts, Clara asked Jimmy, who affirmed it.

When Mateo returned and heard Clara and Jimmy talking, especially about changing partners, his heart skipped a beat. He worried that Clara might want to leave him. Feeling anxious, he rushed into the room, exclaiming, "Mumu, I'm back, and I brought the flowers."

Seeing Mateo return, Jimmy patted his shoulder and said, "Later, let's talk together."

Jimmy had brought Clara into their lives, and he felt a responsibility to guide Mateo in treating her well.

Mateo crushed the flowers and applied them to Clara's wounds before going outside to talk to Jimmy. He needed to know what had happened to Clara.

As the male beast who had been helping outside finished their tasks and prepared to leave, they came to bid farewell to Clara. Some even brought fruits for her. Gloria also checked on Clara, relieved to see her okay. She asked if they still wanted the fish from the basket. Originally planned for a fish barbecue, Clara decided to have Gloria help relocate the fish to the waterfall. If they were still there later, it would be good. If not, there was nothing they could do.

Reflecting on the incident at the western lake and the ominous dark shape, Clara shivered at the thought. She made a mental note never to go near that lake again.

With everyone gone and darkness enveloping the house, Clara anxiously waited for Mateo's return. Feeling a bit scared in the pitch-black room, she used her notebook as a makeshift light, exploring its contents and realizing its versatile functions. It seemed like this notebook was becoming an encyclopedia of life, a helpful companion.

Curious if there was any entertainment, Clara tried searching for movies. Just as she started one, the power went out. The room plunged into darkness, with only the rustling of leaves outside. It sounded eerily similar to the hiss of a snake. Clara began to feel uneasy. Where was Mateo?

Their earthen house had a square opening, supported by bamboo on all sides. They hadn't installed windows yet, so Clara thought about getting a bamboo window that could be opened and adding a curtain for ventilation.

Lost in these thoughts, a shadow flickered by the window. Startled, Clara screamed. The door creaked open, and a tall figure entered. Terrified, Clara was frightened and cry. 

Rushing to Clara, Mateo was taken aback. As he reached her, she embraced him tightly. "Mateo, I'm scared!"

Feeling helpless, Mateo awkwardly patted her back. Jimmy had informed him about what happened to Clara earlier, how she almost drowned. Mateo realized he knew nothing about it, and a sense of guilt washed over him. He unconsciously tightened his arms around her. 

Realizing the tight hold and sensing Mateo's unusual silence, Clara became concerned. "Mateo, I'm fine."

Mateo, aware of his strength, quickly released his grip and turned to light a fire. As he worked, thoughts raced through his mind. High Mountain's words were clear—he needed to treat Clara well. Did Clara perceive him as treating her poorly? The realization brought a sense of anxiety.

Mateo, overwhelmed by the idea of changing partners, sat on the ground, staring at the fire, lost in thought. If Clara no longer wanted him, what could he do to make her stay?

As his thoughts intensified, so did his anxiety, manifesting in physical pain. Everything hurt—his head, his chest, and his stomach.

The flower Clara applied to her legs worked wonders. The red blisters disappeared. "Mateo, my legs are better now," she happily exclaimed.

With dinner still pending, Clara prepared to cook. "Mumu, your legs just recovered. Don't strain yourself. Tonight, I'll grill meat for you." Mateo suggested, wanting to do something special for Clara. He hadn't grilled meat for a long time, and it felt unfamiliar.

Why was Mateo so good today? Clara was sitting on the bed, waiting for dinner. When Mateo had roasted the meat and brought it to her, she regretted that it took her so long to follow her. Why was the meat that Mateo had roasted still so well? Just like the first time she had it. 

"Cla, is it not good? I can make soup for you!" Mateo suggested, attempting to please Clara. He couldn't let her be dissatisfied. 

Gradually, Clara noticed Mateo's unusual behavior. "Mateo, are you upset?"

Mateo, still cutting meat and placing it in a stone pot, didn't respond immediately. Was it about Clara's near-drowning incident? She hadn't told him about it, and honesty was crucial between spouses.

"Mateo, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gone to the western pond to catch fish today, and I shouldn't have gotten myself hurt. I won't do it again in the future." Clara admitted her mistakes, feeling it was essential to be open in a marriage.

Hearing Clara's confession, Mateo felt a sense of relief, but concern still lingered. He whispered, "Cla, you won't leave, will you?" 

Mateo's behavior was peculiar today, perhaps driven by the fear of Clara leaving. Clara nodded, assuring him, "No, I won't leave." The exchange hinted at the complexities of their relationship.