Riley

"Focus, Liam."

Snowflakes drift from the muddled skies, melting against Liam's nose as he handled the shotgun. He eyes the brown hare feet away alongside a few others, nibbling on the shrubs of the aging berries it foraged through. Riley steered the weapon using two fingers, aiming it to a particular rabbit that was separated from the rest. There's frost forming from his breath, misting in the frigid air as he observed his son's aim.

"Try to steady your arm like this. You’re trembling. Are you tired?"

His son shook his head. Liam's young; barely the age of 15. He's obedient, having grown from the love of both his parents, always eager to please his father especially. It was good to start developing skills as he grew up like hunting, given that they lived deep in the woods and a good distance away from the nearest town. You’ve expressed your dislike multiple times regarding the move, but it meant no one got to see you. You're far away from prying eyes, just how he likes it. He doesn’t like it when you mention life back in town.

With a loud bang that's enough to startle wildlife, Riley looked on. He was more or less pleased with the result. Liam could use more work with his posture and the like. Nothing too hard. With enough time, he would be a fine huntsman. He hauled the deceased hare by its ears, placing it alongside the other game they managed to catch within the thick woods. It's enough for dinner, signalling the end of today's outing.

The trek back to the cottage didn’t take that long. Riley didn't like straying too far away from you. While he knew you weren't stupid to leave the area without his supervision, much less with a toddler while you were heavily pregnant with their third baby, it didn't hurt to be cautious.

He doesn’t trust you, not after you tried to leave once in a blizzard.

"We're home." boots shuffle into the welcome mat, scattering bits of compacted snow. He's soon greeted by the sight of James, who's more than excited to see both his elder brother and father.