- The Prouds 120
Gilbert were his curiosity and imagination. He knew that
there must be another life and other things that were
different to his life as one of the Prouds. He wanted to see
other countries, other people, other places, and kingdoms.
He wanted to see snow, rain, roses, and trees. He wanted to
know everything about other people like their habits,
clothes and food. The only thing that was capable of
satisfying his imagination was his many journeys to the
most distant countries in the world. That was why he
worked in trading, traveled a lot, and used to spend a lot of
time away from the land of his tribe.
Days and years went by, and Leader Smith became very ill.
One day, the man did not wake up, so Rachel realized that
he passed away. She cried deeply for him. His family
learned of his death and so did all of the Prouds who
became overwhelmed with grief. Addison was very
saddened by the death of his father. But, what multiplied
his feelings was the fact that his father was like a big store
for wisdom, teachings, and advice on how to lead the
Prouds. He cried like a child, although he was the strongest
man in the tribe.
Why did you leave me, Father? thought Addison.
People from the tribe and outside came to offer their
condolences for the leader’s death. The Prouds was a strong
tribe that was feared and respected by everyone, and many
tribes respected Leader Smith who did favors to many
people.
One day after the funeral, as Addison and those who
came to offer their condolences were sitting in Leader
Smith’s house, a man said, “People, our leader Smith is
dead and we have to declare allegiance to a new leader. The