Aammanya Shrestha
Whispers in the Wild
Early one morning in the Manang Valley, the air was icy cold. Birds chirped softly as the sun rose, turning the peak of Annapurna golden. Inside a small mud house, Tenzing shivered as he jumped out of bed. Amma! Where are my socks and shoes?” he cried. “I’m freezing!
Mrs. Karma smiled and said, “Tenzing, your shoes are probably on the old wooden shelf, and your socks might be in Sonam’s room.” Just then, Sonam came running in. Amma! Where is Baba? I need him quickly!” she said. Mrs. Karma laughed. “Why are you in such a hurry? Is it because you want lunch money?
No, Amma, Sonam said excitedly. I want Baba to take us on a trip behind Annapurna! Tenzing laughed and joined her. Mrs. Karma shook her head, smiling. Sonam ran outside to find her father. Mr. Lakhpa was picking apples from the garden for breakfast. Baba! Do you know what tomorrow is? Sonam asked eagerly. Mr. Lakhpa looked confused. What is it, Phumu? Saturday! Sonam shouted. Papa! Papa! Tenzing added happily. Mr. Lakhpa smiled. My Phumu and Phonju are awake early today. Usually, I don’t even hear a good morning.
When Mrs. Karma came outside, her smile faded slightly. Khyowa, she said, I have to go to Mr. and Mrs. Dolmu’s house today. Can you drop the children at school? And please don’t let them buy junk food. Mr. Lakhpa laughed gently. Nyeme, why are you so strict? Let them enjoy it once in a while.
Mrs. Karma replied firmly, If they fall sick, we will have to walk far into the jungle to find medicine. Our house is made of mud—we cannot afford hospitals. I have to think about our family. Tenzing and Sonam begged again, but Mrs. Karma raised her voice. That’s enough. Health and safety come first.
Mr. Lakhpa quickly said, Alright, no more arguing. I’ll drop them off at school and buy them fresh rice and curry from their uru’s shop. Mrs. Karma handed the children their bags and walked away. Later that afternoon, when Mr. Lakhpa returned home, Mrs. Karma was already there. I thought you went to Dolmus' house,” he said.
She replied quietly, They left the valley for a tour. Mr. Lakhpa nodded and said gently, Tomorrow is Saturday. I can take the children for a walk behind Annapurna. Mrs. Karma looked up sharply.
No, Khyowa. You are not taking them there. You know the stories. People say demons protect a powerful stone called Cherish. That place is not safe. The room fell silent.
That night, the wind blew softly through the valley. Tenzing and Sonam sat near the window, looking at the dark outline of the mountains.
“We can go somewhere else,” Tenzing said quietly.
Sonam nodded. “The mountains will always be there.”
Mrs. Karma watched them from behind and felt her anger fade. She knew they understood.
In the Wild
The next morning, the sky was painted with soft pink clouds. Tenzing and Sonam whispered to each other as they packed small bags with water, a snack, and a notebook. “We’ll just go behind the hill today,” Sonam said. “Amma won’t notice. Tenzing nodded, his heart racing with excitement. The siblings tiptoed past the garden and into the forest. The trees grew taller, the path narrower, and the air smelled of pine and earth. Birds chirped high above, and a small stream gurgled beside them. This is amazing! Tenzing whispered, scribbling in his notebook. Sonam pointed to a cluster of wildflowers glowing in the sunlight. But soon, the forest grew darker. Clouds covered the sun, and a cold wind blew. The path seemed unfamiliar, and the children realized they had wandered farther than they intended.
Tenzing… I think we’re lost, Sonam said, her voice trembling. Tenzing took a deep breath. We need to stay calm. Let’s retrace our steps. They tried to follow the stream, but the forest twisted in confusing ways. Just when worry began to creep in, Mr. Lakhpa’s voice echoed faintly through the trees. He had noticed their absence and was searching for them. With careful steps and holding hands, the children followed the sound.
Soon, they saw their father’s familiar silhouette among the trees. Relief washed over them.
Lesson Learned
Back home, wrapped in warm blankets and sipping tea, Tenzing and Sonam listened as Mr. Lakhpa gently said: The mountains are beautiful and full of wonders. But they are also powerful. Always explore with care, and never wander alone. Mrs. Karma smiled softly, relieved. We want you to enjoy the valley, but your safety comes first,” she said. Tenzing nodded. We understand, Amma. Adventure is fun—but being safe is more important. Sonam added, “And teamwork helps, too. We wouldn’t have found our way without Papa.”
Outside, Annapurna glimmered in the evening sun, quiet and majestic. The valley whispered its secrets gently, teaching the children that courage is important—but so is wisdom. Tenzing whispered, “Maybe Mom is right. Some places are powerful and should be respected.” Sonam nodded, “We can wait. The mountains aren’t going anywhere.” Outside, the valley slept peacefully. The birds rested, the wind softened, and the mountains continued to guard their secrets.
In Manang, everyone knew one truth— The mountains were not just land and stone. They were protectors, teachers, and reminders that courage must always walk with wisdom. And that night, the family slept peacefully, knowing that respect for the mountains and care for each other were the greatest adventures of all.
