Hampton Jr. looked at his father, his eyes filled with a sense of determination. "Dad, let's give the forest another five years," he said, his voice filled with conviction.
Hampton Sr. raised an eyebrow, seemingly taken aback by his son's suggestion. He paused for a moment, considering Jr.'s words.
"It's a deal," he said finally, a small smile playing on his lips. "I'll wait five years before we start cutting down the trees."
Hampton Jr. felt a surge of relief wash over him. He knew that this was only a temporary reprieve, but it was better than nothing.
"Why don't you want me to cut down the trees, son?" Hampton Sr. asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Hampton Jr. hesitated for a moment before answering. "We'll reap more benefits if we wait," he said. "And besides, I feel sorry for the animals that live here."
Hampton Sr. nodded, seemingly accepting his son's explanation.
As they continued on their hunting trip, Hampton Jr. couldn't shake the feeling that he had seen something - or someone - in the forest earlier. He looked around, but saw nothing out of the ordinary.
The girls, who had been following Jr. from behind, giggled and whispered to each other. Alex, who was walking alongside Joshua, grinned mischievously.
"Looks like Jr.'s got a fan club," he whispered, nodding towards the girls.
Joshua chuckled. "Yeah, and it looks like their dads are trying to play matchmaker."
Hampton Jr., oblivious to the conversation behind him, was lost in thought. He couldn't shake the feeling that the forest was hiding something from him.
Do the trees possess spirits? he wondered. Or are there human inhabitants living deep within the forest?
He shook his head, chuckling wryly. No way, he thought. That's just ridiculous.
But the feeling lingered, refusing to be shaken.