Chapter 3

After eating the ration, I headed towards the river with a water bucket that had a handle. I carefully made my way through the forest, walking so as not to trip. As I walked, I searched for food.

I observed the bushes to see if there were any nuts and looked at the trees to see if there were any mushrooms. I wanted to do more than just fetch water to regain the trust I had lost. There was also a desire to drink a soup with some ingredients in it.

As I looked around while moving forward, I saw mushrooms growing on a tree. Great, I hope they are edible.

I ran over to take a closer look and saw a burnt brown, wrinkled mushroom. I recognized it; I didn’t know its name, but it was an edible mushroom. I cupped the mushroom, which was about half the size of my face, with both hands, gently wiggling it as I pulled it out.

A little bit of the mushroom was left behind, which was a bit of a failure. I placed the mushroom I had picked into the bucket and looked around to see if there were any more on nearby trees. When you find one mushroom, there are often more nearby, probably because the spores have spread to other trees.

As I looked around carefully, I found another one. This one was a bit smaller than the one I had just picked, which was a bit disappointing.

This time, I carefully and gently pulled it out. This time, only a small trace was left behind, and I managed to pick it up successfully. I felt happy and smiled a little.

"Hehe, I hope I can pick the next one just as cleanly."

It feels so good when you pick them cleanly, and it really boosts your mood. I hope I can find a lot of food at this rate.

I continued to search for mushrooms as I moved through the forest.

◇

After finding two more mushrooms, I finally reached the river. The area around the river was strewn with large and small stones, making it very difficult to walk. Just as I was about to fetch water from the river, I realized something.

"Oh, darn."

I had forgotten that I had put the mushrooms in the bucket. If I left them there, I wouldn’t be able to fetch the most important water. I had picked them without thinking.

I couldn’t just throw away the mushrooms; I had to find a way to carry them. As I crossed my arms and thought, an idea came to me. I could make a shoulder basket.

I retraced my steps and approached the edge of the forest. Looking around, I found what I needed—vines. I placed the bucket down and pulled the vines towards me. After repeating this a few times, I had several long vines in my hands.

"Alright, let’s weave them."

I sat down and started weaving the vines together. I overlapped the vines and rolled them, then overlapped another vine and rolled it again. I didn’t know the correct method, but I focused on making a shape that could carry the mushrooms.

As I diligently wove, the shape gradually took form. It was a bit uneven, and some parts had large gaps, but the gaps weren’t big enough for the mushrooms to fall through. I aimed to make it into a basket shape while checking.

After using up all the vines I had collected, I had a makeshift basket.

"Phew, how’s this?"

I connected the shoulder strap and... it’s complete. I made a basket about the size of my head, with a grid-like structure. The initial part had larger gaps, but it seemed fine. For my first attempt, I think it turned out pretty well. Good job.

I immediately transferred the mushrooms from the bucket into the basket. I picked them up and shook them to see if any would fall out, but none did. I succeeded and felt happy, my face breaking into a smile. It feels so good when things go well.

I slung the basket over my shoulder. It rested on my waist, and I thought the length was just right. I might need to adjust it a bit if it doesn’t work out, but for now, I’ll try it as it is.

Alright, now I can fetch water. I carefully walked back to the river, avoiding the stones. As I got closer to the river, the stones became smaller and more uniform, making it easier to walk.

I stepped into the river with my shoes on, tilted the bucket, and filled it with water, then lifted it. Hmm, it’s quite heavy. I grunted as I lifted it out of the river and placed it on the stones. It looked like it held about 4 to 5 liters.

Carrying this for 30 minutes is quite a heavy task. I’ll need to be extra careful not to spill any. Fetching water is a tough job... but that’s why it needs to be done. I can’t give up here; my life depends on it.

"Phew, let’s go."

I lifted the bucket with both hands. I can’t give up here. I need to regain trust and improve our living conditions this time.

◇

An hour had passed. I didn’t make it to the square in 30 minutes.

"Phew, finally made it."

Fetching water is tough. Carrying a heavy object for a long time is more difficult than I thought. Focusing to not spill the water was also tiring. I now understand why only adults did this job.

After taking a deep breath, I walked to the edge of the square. There was a simple stove with a roof and a water jug. This is where we usually make the ration soup or boil potatoes.

I opened the lid of the water jug, gathered my strength, and lifted the bucket, carefully pouring the water into it. Ugh, my arms are sore... but I’m almost done. After a while, I managed to pour all the water from the bucket.

"Phew, now the mushrooms."

I closed the lid of the water jug, placed the bucket down, and walked to the food storage nearby. An old lady was sitting there, staring blankly into space. She snapped out of it as I approached and turned to face me. Her expression was a bit stern, as if she was on guard.

"Do you need something?"

"Um, I picked these, so please use them tomorrow."

I took the basket from my waist and held it out in front of her.

"Ah, I see. Thank you for your hard work."

She took the mushrooms out of the basket without much enthusiasm and went into the food storage.

The impact of my parents not helping with the village work is more serious than I thought. The information must have spread in the village, making people treat me so coldly.

Facing this reality, I felt a sense of loneliness and my chest tightened.

(I won’t lose here.)

It might have been a good thing to remember my past life at the last moment. I clenched my fists as if gathering strength and approached the bucket I had placed near the water jug. I only have one more trip to fetch water; I need to finish the job properly.

I started walking back to the river.