2
Half a mile away from where the Haywoods’ plane had crashed, a band of gorillas paused at the rush of strange noises in the distance. The rapid sounds were harsh and violent to their ears. Their leader, the silverback Mukisa, had been far ahead of them, scouting the unfamiliar area to ensure their safety. But Mukisa had not returned.
Keza, a young adult female, carried her new infant Akika, one of Mukisa’s children, in one arm as she followed the others, trailing Mukisa’s scent.
The smell of blood now drifted to them on the wind, and the band grew agitated. Keza held her child tight, ready to run or climb to protect her baby. They continued to track the scent deep into the jungle until they came upon Mukisa’s body. He lay facedown, one black palm reaching out in the dirt.
Keza was th
