[50024 Years Ago/ Midafternoon/ The Hill]
Heba stood on the hill watching the approach of the hunting party. They carried a long, thick branch and on the branch hung the body of a lion. At first Heba had been thrilled, but when they came closer and went around the hill to the west, she could see Mike was not in their number.
Pult glanced up to her. He showed a solemn look, then he turned away and went on.
"No," Heba said, touching her abdomen. "No." She gazed out to the southern plain searching for Mike.
An hour passed, then Heba heard footsteps coming up the hill. She didn't turn.
"He's not coming back," Tagi said.
Heba crossed her arms over her chest and continued her survey of the plain.
Tagi came to stand next to her. "Mike was killed by a lion. It was a beginner's mistake. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and he threw his spear badly. He only angered the lion and was forced to run. He was chased to the east and did not return."
"So they didn't see him die?" Heba said.
"No, but Mike was weaponless and without food or water and being chased by a lion. He could not have survived." Tagi put her hand on Heba's shoulder. "Come, we will have a ceremony in honor of Mike before we have the feast."
"He isn't dead," Heba said.
"You have dreamed this?"
"No." Heba put her hand on her stomach and felt a warmth, a power, there. It was unlike anything she'd felt before. She was certain without any evidence. She was certain because she was certain. "I will stay here and wait for Mike to return."
Tagi looked out on the land sweltering in the sun. She shook her head. "All right, Heba, but you must come back when it gets dark. Okay?"
"I will come back with Mike."
"He will not return and you'll bake in this heat, but so be it. When you have convinced yourself of his death, come back to the village."
Tagi's steps could be heard for some time, then there was silence and Heba continued to look to the south.
"He lives," she said to the world before her. "He lives."