Raul and Amina

The crowded market was a distant memory. As Ahmed embraced the role of a son, the rhythm of his life changed.

His mother was called 'Amina'. She was a woman of grace and warmth. She was the only daughter of a well-known merchant. Hence, every vendor from before seemed friendly.

Her hair had multiple colors. It was every pallet, from a deep burgundy to the color of copper. Her fiery locks stood out, along with her skin, reflecting the North African sun.

Her eyes were amber-colored jewels. Every time she stared out into the landscape, it would reflect on her eyes. It also had a shade of hazel.

Those eyes held experience. She would often tell stories of her merchant days. She would often accompany her father, Ahmed's grandfather, as he sailed the seas.

Those eyes held stories of ancient caravans, nomadic journeys, and wisdom passed down through generations.

Her features displayed strength and grace. Her high cheekbones, her straight yet upturned nose, and her lips that were adorned with henna patterns were testament to that.

Meanwhile, his father was called 'Raul'. Unlike his native mother, he hails from the mountains of the Caucasus.

He had emerald-colored eyes. His tanned skin was the result of the sun. He was blond with wavy hair, with a length that reached his shoulders.

His oval-shaped head was accompanied by a strong and angular jawline. His nose was straight, and his eyebrows were so well-groomed that they framed his eyes.

His moderate lips and naturally contoured cheeks helped express his often calm expression. His aged eyes held wisdom.

But Ahmed seemed like the average ginger. With red hair and a pale face, you could find him anywhere.

However, as his days turned into weeks, he encountered a problem. No matter what he tried, he couldn't fill certain gaps in his memory. Fortunately, Ahmed's parents were understanding.

On a lovely morning, when they gathered for breakfast, Ahmed couldn't help but express his sincere gratitude to his parents.

"I'm thankful that you guys would accept this situation," he said as he held both parents' hands.

"Hey, whatever happens, you're still our son," said Raul while he patted Ahmed's shoulder.

"Don't worry, dear. I'm sure the memories will return," said Amina as she caressed Ahmed.

"Mhm!" Ahmed hasn't been this happy since the time with his mother.

After breakfast, he took another look around his home. He hoped that it would trigger some sort of memory stashed away deep inside his brain.

His family's new home was charming but of modest size. A lush and bountiful garden was located at the back. His father made it at the bequest of his mother, as she loves nature.

Every day, she would wake up, make breakfast, and then tend to the various plants and flowers in the garden. Every plant was gently touched and taken care of.

She cared for a variety of plants and flowers in the garden, which served as her haven, with a gentle touch.

Often, Ahmed would wake up to the smell of blooming flowers emanating from the garden.

The smell was sometimes accompanied by the melody of birds that had taken residence nearby.

The tranquility he felt as he opened his window first thing in the morning was a sharp contrast to the chaotic market he had visited.

According to the pink-haired lady, the reality he currently inhabits contains dinosaurs. When he first asked his parents about it, he was shocked.

"Wanna come to the back?" asked Raul as he pointed behind him with his thumb.

"What?" Ahmed was so shocked that he dropped the spoon that he was eating breakfast with.

While on their way, Raul explained how his family, including Amina and Ahmed, often engage in the dinosaur trade.

When he heard that, Ahmed's pupils enlarged. He was shocked that his current family would engage in such a business.

He could finally witness for himself the creatures he had been studying. He knew that this wouldn't be possible in his world.

Once they arrived, Raul revealed that the sizeable enclosure in front of them was theirs and theirs alone. Only his family owned it.

Raul explained that the whole enclosure would measure half of the current island. The enclosure housed various dinosaur species.

He also said that every day after breakfast, he would come here, as it was only a few minutes away from their home.

Ahmed gaped at the sight of the prehistoric giants in front of him. The dinosaurs inside had wings, horns, armor, etc. He kept on staring as he compared them to the fossils back in his world.

Raul explained that their job was to train and breed the dinosaurs. Raul was one of the most revered trainers, with the deepest understanding of dinosaurs. Ahmed couldn't help but marvel at his current father.

His knack for communication, along with the bond he shared with the dinosaurs he trained, was nothing short of inspiring.

On a hot afternoon, Raul went to work, along with Ahmed, whom he brought along.

At the enclosure, Raul worked with a young Triceratops. While he did his job, Ahmed stood behind.

After admiring his father, Ahmed couldn't help but be curious. "Dad, how did you become so skilled at this?" he asked.

"I'd say it's a mixture of patience, observation, and understanding," said Raul, smiling while still feeding the young Triceratops.

"That wouldn't work on every dinosaur, would it?" inquired Ahmed as he scratched his hair.

"Of course not. Each dinosaur is unique. You need to adapt to their personalities. That way, you'd be able to form a bond with them," Raul added to his explanation before.

The thought of bonding with these creatures never crossed his mind. He thought that no matter what he did, animals would still be animals. Bonding fascinated him.

As Raul gave a series of commands to the Triceratops, Ahmed stared from a distance. He was envious of the bond they had, even trusting one another.

Drawn to the sight in front of him, he began learning from Raul. From that day on, he would come to the enclosure and help with menial work. Such as feeding, cleaning, and maintenance.

However, he would not be far from Raul. While he did his job, he would observe Raul playing around with the dinosaurs. Bit by bit, he'd understand the language they shared.

After a while, Ahmed gained the trust of the other workers, along with Raul's. Because of that, they would entrust him with the younger dinosaurs. His confidence grew as he continued to interact with the prehistoric creatures.

As time passed, the connection between him and the young dinosaurs at the facilities deepened. He bonded with their unique personalities, as instructed by Raul.

On a day when he would stay until the evening, he would sit with the young dinosaurs. They would admire the sun as it casts down a gentle warmth.

"You really are my son!" said Raul as he smacked Ahmed's back.

"Dad?" said Ahmed, confused.

"I mean, look at you! Bonding with these creatures so easily. Not even the workers who've worked here before you could do that!" exclaimed Raul in excitement.

"Ha, ha," Ahmed chuckled nervously as he was stared daggers by the workers around them.

At sunset, every dinosaur would screech in unison. At that moment, Ahmed found his purpose in life.