My Day

Day 12 of the Harvest Moon

The sun peeked over the hill this morning, waking me. I stretched and yawned. My bed is just a pile of straw, but it's comfy enough. I can hear my mother already grinding grain for bread. The smell makes my stomach rumble!

I hurried outside. My little sister, Mara, was chasing chickens. Our hut is small, made of mud bricks and a roof of reeds. It keeps us dry when it rains, which is important.

Father was already gone to the fields. He works with the other men to plow and plant barley. It’s hard work. I will join them when I am older. For now, my job is to help with the animals.

First, I had to feed the goats. They bleated loudly until I gave them their fill of hay. Then, I took them to the stream to drink. The water was cold and clear. I splashed some on my face to wake me up.

After that, Mother asked me to gather berries. I walked to the edge of the forest, careful to watch for snakes. The berries were sweet and juicy. I filled my small basket quickly. Mara came with me, singing songs she made up.

In the afternoon, I helped Father in the fields. I carried water to the men and chased away the birds that tried to eat the barley seeds. Father showed me how to sharpen my bronze knife. It is small, but very important.

Tonight, we will eat bread and stew made with the berries I gathered. After dinner, we will sit by the fire and listen to Father tell stories of our ancestors. I love those stories. They make me feel connected to the past.

Before sleep, I sharpen my knife, hoping to do some hunting tomorrow.