Adam

The ground shook before you even realized it. I felt it in the soles of my feet, in my chest, in the air. The elephants ran, scared, and the entire jungle trembled with them. I moved through the branches, curious, searching for the source of that chaos... and then I saw you.

You were different. You didn't smell like the jungle, or sweat, or fear. Your scent was sweet, strange, like the flowers that grow only when the moon is full. You walked awkwardly, but your eyes were full of light, touching everything, looking at each leaf as if it were magic. I watched you from above, hidden, not understanding why you didn't run away from the sounds, why you didn't listen to what the jungle was trying to tell you.

Then the elephants appeared. You screamed. You ran, you stumbled, and I knew you were going to die if I didn't do something. I didn't think twice. I jumped. I grabbed the vine, let the wind push me, and reached you just before the ground shook beneath their paws. My arms wrapped around your waist. I felt your small, soft body trembling against mine.

You screamed, but I couldn't understand you. Your sounds were quick, filled with fear. I clung to you as we flew through the vines, feeling your breath hit my chest. When we finally landed on the thick branch of the tree, I let go.

You stepped back, eyes wide, searching for an exit that didn't exist.

-“Get away!” you said, in that voice I couldn’t yet understand, but whose fear I could smell. I stood still, watching you.

Your skin shone in the sun, your lips trembled, and your eyes… your eyes were like the clear water rarely found in the jungle. I didn't know who you were or why you were here, but I couldn't tear my gaze away.

I tilted my head at you, curious. I tried to mimic the sound of your voice, but all that came out was a low growl. You looked at me as if I were a beast. Maybe I am. I was raised by them, fed by a gorilla who kept me warm when my parents lay dead in the grass.