Sarabi wasn't sure about what she heard. She stared at Rafiki.
"Rafiki…what did you just say? Scar wants to kill Simba?"
Rafiki breathed fast. Sweat fell from his head.
"Rafiki…can you hear me?", Zazu asked.
Rafiki lay, eyes closed. Sarabi pushed her gently.
"My friend…please, I need answers. What were you saying about Simba? He is dead…"
But Rafiki didn't respond anymore. Soon, he was sleeping again.
"What…what was that?"
Sarabi didn't answer. She was thinking of her friend's words.
"Simba…you need to warn him…"
"Scar wants to kill him…"
"Sarabi?"
Sarabi snapped back to reality and turned to see Zazu.
"Yes?"
"Is everything okay?", Zazu looked concerned.
"Well I…I was just wondering why Rafiki would say like that. Does scar want to kill Simba? Why? He is dead!"
"I have to say that I'm as confused as you are. Maybe it was just some fever babbling…"
"I hope so…", Sarabi nodded.
But still…what did he mean by that?
"I'm back! Any news?", Sarafina came with some water and medicine.
"Well…", Zazu started. But Sarabi cut him off.
"Oh, nothing unusual. Rafiki has slept this whole time", the queen said as Zazu stared at her.
"I see…well, that's a pity. I hope this will help", Sarafina nodded.
"I'm sure it will do", Sarabi smiled. All three turned to see Rafiki.
"I think you should have a rest. I can take care from here", Sarafina said.
"Well…I could use some fresh air. I'll be back later", Sarabi smiled and turned around.
I need to think…
Before Sarabi could go, she turned her head.
"Zazu! Could you come here?"
Zazu obeyed and landed next to Sarabi. She knelt down and whispered.
"Zazu…please don't tell Sarafina what you just heard. I want to figure out what is going on before we tell anyone. Can you do that for me?"
"You can count on me", Zazu nodded. "But should Mufasa know? That can't be good if Rafiki thinks that Simba is alive…he must have hit his head pretty hard", the hornbill gazed at his friend.
"I will talk to him later…now we need to focus on Rafiki's condition. I will have a walk…wait here and help Sarafina", Sarabi nodded.
"Sure thing."
Soon, Sarabi was walking through the grass. She smiled as she saw a baby antelope taking its first steps, supported by its mother. Seeing that brought sadness to her heart. Simba was so like that baby…trying to get up no matter what it takes.
I really miss him…
Animals bowed as Sarabi passed them. She smiled back and soon spotted a river flowing in the distance. Walking to it and sitting down, the queen stared at her reflection from the water.
"Mom, you're messing up my mane!"
"Okay okay I'm clean, can we go now?"
"So where is this really cool place?"
"Oh…the waterhole!"
Feeling tears appearing to her eyes…Sarabi sighed. She missed her baby…it was still so unfair that he was taken away. Simba was just a child…her only child.
Why we mothers have to carry those horrible feelings?
Sarabi was indeed worried and sad. She managed to keep herself in balance…but Mufasa was totally going over the edge. Sarabi had never seen him like that…feeling so helpless and lonely. So much pain was inside him…and no one seemed to be able to get it out.
Gazing at the sky…Sarabi repeated that night in her head when Scar brought the news. He seemed to be in a shock…or at least hid it very well if he weren't.
But why there is something which bothers me...?
True, something had bothered Sarabi ever since Simba's passing. It seemed to be so easy…so wrong. So…illogical.
Oh come on Sarabi, stop this. Scar did everything to save your son…and Mufasa cares about his brother. Do not ruin his actions because of your old habits…
But why…why would Rafiki say like that? He was the last person who could joke about things like that, Sarabi knew it. But there was no way…
Sarabi lifted herself up and gazed at the river. Hippos were swimming…and even little zebras enjoyed themselves. Flowing was fast and the water was deep, the queen knew it. But deep inside after putting pieces together…she couldn't help but began to feel that something wasn't right.
Could it be…?
Sarabi approached water and put her paw on the sand. Lifting it up…she gazed up.
Maybe it's just me but…could it be possible that…is Simba still alive?
TBC...
