Define Normal

Why is it that people take all the essential things in life for granted? And why are people more likely to see the value of possessions rather than their fellow man? Who knows if one day the person they mistreated or looked down on will one day be in a position to save their life...

"Lil. Are you okay? You seem to be lost in thought?" "I'm okay. Just, contemplating life's unanswerable questions again dad, there's no need to worry." "Well knowing you, I believe you may find an answer that will no doubt put everyone else to shame. But, try not to think too hard, you're still young."

"Yes, Sir. Anyways, how long will you be gone for this time?" "Well there's a big project in the company, as well as the situation with your sisters, and the apprentices. I may be gone for a couple of months." "oh...wow that's unexpected." "If it bothers you I could refuse or put it off for a while." "No, I can't have you do that for my sake. They may think you irresponsible or you'll just end up having to do it later. Just bring me back some cool souvenirs." "Will do. Now, where are your brothers?"

"I believe they're still sleeping, Ash was out working late and if i remember correctly Roam was preparing for the sporting tournament." "Well, I decided to visit with the intention of eating one of your delicious lunches before setting out. But, with those 2 sleeping in we may as well go hungry. I'll go wake them up." "Dad, please. Believe me it's better if you don't." "Lilly what are you saying exactly?" "Dad, they can't hunt,... or should i say it's not that they can't but that they shouldn't." "Explain."

"Ash wanted to show off, so, one day he lit a flaming arrow which caused the turkey to go wild as it caught on and spread fire to all the nearby trees while it became engulfed in flames. I had to put it down and had it not rained we would have lost more than just that small chunk of forest. We went without food that day and I had to plant saplings for an entire week.

And Roam invited some of his friends to campout and hunt on our land over the break. I went to check on them after 3 days. It turned out none of them were at camp, but there was a small mountain of foul smelling carcasses. I went angrily looking for them and found them surrounded by wolves with a dead baby deer behind them. I tried to convince them to leave the deer but they refused claiming it was some kind of trophy. So... I jumped off the tree grabbed one of their knives cut off the head and told them to leave the deer to the wolves. They were reluctant but I made them, arguing that they weren't gonna eat it anyways. When we got to their campsite, I made them clean up then promptly kicked them out. They hunted more than they ate and left the rest to rot. If I had let them stay I don't know what would become of the forest. I was busy catching fish and wild birds for dinner for most of the month until, the animals with enough sense to flee slowly came back."

Mr.Rhodes sat there stunned for quite a while. and wondered if it was even legal to allow such dangerous young men into society. He also wondered if he was a good father or if he, in fear for their safety, had been too neglectful of his children.

"Dad, i know what you're thinking and no one blames you. Ash just needs to remember that, the world isn't like his video games and Roam fails to realize that, all his actions carry consequence. We all have faults and people to keep us in check." "Thank you, Lilly."

Mr.Rhodes once again counted himself grateful for having a daughter like her. She had a gift when it came to making people feel better.

Lilly prepared lunch while her dad decided that it was time to wake up his sons and give them a lecture on responsibility before allowing them to eat. Unexpectedly their uncle Tiele (aka their dad's business partner) showed up to "deliver files" and then quickly found himself a seat and plate for food, which caused the whole family to erupt in laughter.

Finally it was time and Mr.Rhodes departed with the words, "While I'm gone Lilly you're in charge, don't let your brothers run wild, and don't forget to lock up at night. Try to act normal." "Dad, define normal."

A leopard cannot change its spots

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