CHAPTER 8
Later that night, there was a knock on Ethan’s bedroom door. Dad walked in. “I think I need to take your gun away for a while,” he said. “I’m sorry, son, but you need to learn just how serious this is.”
“I know it’s serious,” Ethan said.
“I don’t think you do,” his dad said. “Those were living animals. They didn’t deserve to have their lives taken away for no reason.”
Ethan’s chin sank down to his chest. His eyes stared at the floor. He knew that his father was right. He also knew there was nothing he could say to make it any better.
* * *
For the next few days, Ethan tried not to think about hunting. All he could do was hope his father would give him another chance.
A few nights later, when Ethan’s father came home from work, he had a surprise. He smiled at Ethan.
“Ethan, I’ll pick you up from school tomorrow afternoon,” he said. “You need to pack a bag tonight so that you’re ready.”
“Ready for what?” Ethan asked.
“Ready for a hunting trip,” his father said.
Ethan’s mouth dropped open. “Are you serious?” he asked, feeling shocked. “You’re taking me hunting?”
Dad looked closely at Ethan. “I did not say I was taking you hunting,” he said quietly. “I said I was taking you on a hunting trip.”
“I don’t get it,” Ethan said. “What’s the difference?”
“I’m taking you along. But you won’t be hunting,” his father explained. “We’ll drive up tomorrow, and get to the cabin by tomorrow night. You’ll come along with me on Saturday morning when I go out to hunt.”
Ethan thought about it. He was excited to go on the trip, even if he didn’t get to hunt.
“Okay,” he said slowly. “That sounds pretty good, I guess.”
“You need to see a real hunter hunt,” Dad said. “Then you can see how a real hunter treats the game with respect. You can see how respectful a real hunter is to the land, too.”
Ethan was disappointed that he wasn’t going to be hunting. But he wanted his dad to trust him again with a gun. He had to really learn the Hunter’s Code.
“It’s not as good as really hunting,” Ethan said. “But I know it’s important. And I’m excited to go to the cabin.”
“Great,” Dad said. “Wait in the parking lot after school tomorrow. Get some sleep tonight.” He left, shutting the door quietly behind him.