That evening, Ahadi and Uhru watched the sun go down, discussing their son’s actions. “Do you think I was wrong? Do I really make him feel like a failure? Ahadi, stop playing with my tail and answer me!” Ahadi grinned from behind, then sighed at sat down. “Dear one, all boys go through this. After all, he’s always been weaker than the others- but what he doesn’t see is how much smarter he is. Our boy has a level of understanding that most don’t. We just need to show him that. The way you handled Redasa today was harsh. And if Takari was right- if this was just a simple fight- well, maybe you overdid it. Remember, he and Redasa both love Zila. Err… Zira. If I had my guess, Red insulted Taka to make himself look ‘big’ in her eyes. She said something to shrink his ego, and he got mad. Taka probably was protecting her.” Uhru put her head in his paws and rolled over, licking his chin. “Oh, Audshy… I just feel so horrible. I’m just trying to protect him. What if he never forgives me?”
Taka had been watching them for a few minutes. Seeing how he had hurt his mother near drove him to tears. “Mom… I’m sorry! Can you forgive me?” They turned their heads. “Were you spying on us, young man?” Ahadi said sternly. “No, I had a nightmare. Then I saw you talking…” He trailed off, racing to his mother, who rolled over just in time for him to jump into her paws. The trio laughed and talked for a while, then slept together.