A butcher shop was opened by the new family that settled in our town.

Dad, who recently broke his leg after falling from our roof, asked mom to purchase meats there as he was unable to hunt due to his situation.

My father had always resorted to providing food caught by his own hands as to help lessen our expenses. If he wasn’t searching the woods, he’d be by the water fishing and mom would add her magic touch by making the most scrumptious meal.

I accompanied mom to the butcher shop that had a very welcoming aura to it. The owner immediately talked about which cut would be best for which dish and I listened as they traded words back and forth.

My eyes soon darted to the meat display behind the cool crystal that I couldn’t help but find to look different…especially the one tagged as “pork”.

I tried not to question it considering how little knowledge I had when it came to these things but when dinner came and I took my first bite…my tongue could barely swallow.

My stomach protested but I kept on devouring as to not disrespect the blessing on our table. I drank more water than what I was used to and it only helped a little.

Conversations between my parents filled the atmosphere as I tried my hardest to finish the meat. I prayed that my disgust wouldn’t show on my face but when I caught my father’s eye…it was too late.

I excused myself to my room after washing the dishes and a little while later my father came knocking on my door. He sat on my bed apologizing about the food. I tried my best to assure him that it was fine but he was insistent with his apologies.

“I should’ve listened to your mom when she told me to hire someone to work on the roof”

“Well…you can be hard-headed dad”

His calloused hands ruffled my hair as he said “I think I got that from you.”

He encouraged me to be honest about the meal and I did and told him that it didn’t sit well with my stomach at all. A promise was made that he’d find a way to provide better and I believed him. Before leaving he made sure that my windows were locked and reminded me to also lock my door. He bid goodnight and I knew then that he’d spend time in the living room with mom while sporting their teas.

“You should’ve hired someone for the roof.”

“I know, im sorry I didn’t listen.”

“Did you tell her to lock up?”

“I did.”

“I could fish in the river…I mean I could learn.”

“You’d catch a boot before you could catch fish. The chemicals have started to drive them away. Damn those companies.”

“I’ll be honest…I didn’t like the meal too.”

“I just need your patience while I will myself to heal faster…its hard to hunt humans with this kind of injury.”