In the morning, I woke up disoriented, as if I had a hangover. Why did I black out like that? I only asked if they were gods. Could it be that I don't have enough power? My head heats up from thinking so much; I need answers.

  And that thing about losing control is going to be complicated; I guess it will happen once a day or every so often. I wondered what it would be like. I didn't have time to imagine it; an insect was crawling near me. As soon as I saw it, my hands moved on their own. I caught it and instantly brought it to my mouth. By the time I realized the situation, I was already chewing the bug.

  The crunch of its shell filled my ears, followed by a bitter taste and a viscosity that turned my insides; I vomited immediately.

  I put my hand to my face right after doing it.

  —This is what that damn voice meant,— I whispered.

  This is madness; it makes no sense. How is it possible for my body to act on its own? What will I do if I lose control in a critical situation? I began to hyperventilate, feeling reality slipping away. I gave myself a good slap in the face to calm down. Even if I have the penalty, I’m still in charge... right?

  Shortly after, my parents woke up. As soon as my father saw me, he approached and grabbed me by the scruff of the neck with his teeth, then proceeded to climb down the tree. My nerves were on edge; I wasn't prepared, my mind was a mess, and the fear of being devoured was still there, lurking.

  Once again, instinct took the reins: I started hitting my father in the chest; I was desperate. He, surprised, let me go and tossed me back into the nest; he looked annoyed. After all, he is an animal; if you show him who's boss, he leaves you alone.

  My mother also got up. I approached her so she would show me affection and groom me as usual. She turned around and left; she rejected me. I don't know if it's because I'm small or just very sensitive, but I felt a lump in my throat and my eyes filled with tears. My parents were treating me poorly. Could it be they don't like me anymore and are going to abandon me? Or am I already at the age to leave the nest?..... I realized the situation.

  That’s why my father wanted to take me with him; maybe I should have gone. I feel so stupid. Tomorrow I’ll go out with him. My mom fled too; I guess she’s finally free of me. In nature, everything is so fast; I still feel like a child and they already want to kick me out of the home. It reminds me of when I was kicked out of the house for being a slacker; I was coming home from a party and my things were already outside. My brother was mocking me from the window.

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  I sat on the ground to wait for them.

  —Now I am going to go so I can learn to hunt, and maybe they’ll teach me their techniques,— I blurted out with enthusiasm.

  Many hours passed and they didn't return; I was hungry.

  —Those bastards left without feeding me,— I was angry, so I lay down staring at the sky.

  —How easy it is to have food brought to you without doing anything; I miss them,— I put a hand over my face.

  —They abandoned me again,— I felt like I couldn't breathe; I burst into tears. Memories flooded back of when my high school girlfriend cheated on me with the popular guy. It was normal for her to do it; I was a fat, antisocial geek, and he was an attractive athlete.

  —That happened in my previous life,— I sat up, my gaze becoming firm. —I’ve already died twice, what does it matter? Abandonment is part of life; besides, that helped me go to the gym and get strong. That’s how I met my wife,— I stood up with spirit.

  —If they aren't going to bring me food, I'm going to look for it.

  I approached the edge of the nest and instantly all my courage vanished; the trauma of being eaten alive surfaced.

  —Shit! Shit! SHIT! WHY AM I LIKE THIS?— frustrated, I lay back down to wait.

  —Maybe they will bring me food; I hope so.

  More time passed and night began to fall; my stomach was growling and there was no sign of them. Why weren't they coming back? What could have happened? Did they really leave me behind? I have to stop being so pessimistic; maybe they just got late, right?...... Right?

  The moon was already visible in the sky and everything looked the same; I was starting to worry. I was dizzy from the lack of nutrients. I must go down; this damn sickness is going to starve me to death. I must eat.

  I went back to the edge of the shelter and placed one paw in the void. I began to tremble and nausea rose up. I didn't pay attention to them; I kept placing one foot after the other, descending the trunk. My mind screamed at me to go back, but hunger was stronger. I kept going and going, silencing the voices, until I reached the ground. As soon as I touched it, everything went silent. I felt tranquility.

  I walked a few meters; it was hard because I hadn't done it in a long time. I kept going, hiding among the bushes and leaves so as not to be seen; it would be catastrophic if a predator spotted me.

  Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching my direction. I was tucked between the leaves; I peeked out just a little bit. I managed to spot one of those damn demon dogs. It was approaching at great speed. My heart began to throb and that sensation returned; I regurgitated what little I had in my stomach out of nerves. Is it going to devour me? It was almost right in front of me; I’m dead.

  I closed my eyes and waited for the impact, but nothing came. The sound of the footsteps faded away. I opened my eyes and everything was fine; the beast kept going.

  What the hell was happening?