Kafele dropped the cub and shook himself – as if that would get his coat clean – before raising his head to understand the meaning of Jabari’s words. It made sense that they’d get rid of the kid as quickly as possible but it felt like it was too soon now that the opportunity had presented itself.
“Ah, yes.” The red lion told the cub, feeling suddenly terrible for just leaving him this way especially after he’d promised him food – apparently he was about to break his promise and that annoyed him to far greater extent than he cared to admit. “Ah… see that lady all the way there? She’s a food-giver. So go ask her for food!”
He turned to leave but suddenly took one step back to give the cub a light pat on the head and a small smile.
“Listen to me, this is very important! Don’t ever go to that place again, it’s very dangerous. Stay close to the den and do what your daddy says. And never, ever talk to strangers, got it?” and with that, the red lion started running as if his life depended on it.
