The Change
From Poacher to Protector
Sounds of my children laughing loudly as they watched the television could be heard. My gaze moved on to my wife. She was sweeping the room and making the bed.
“Suraiya,” I called to her, “Have you ever thought that your husband is a murderer?”
She looked at me in disbelief as she gasped.
“No! I don’t mean THAT murderer,” I cut her off before she could make any assumptions,“I mean, a murderer to animals.”
She relaxed a little and sat on the bed beside me,“Why are you suddenly asking me this?”
I shrugged and told her all about my dream. My first dream and my second dream. I told her how I felt about my dreams and how I felt about my hunting activities. Animals have the right to live like us humans, they have offsprings and need care for them. Taking their lives will be the same as killing humans and their children.
My wife held my shoulders and smiled, “I guess it is about time i tell you that I actually don’t like you hunting. You know that I have a soft spot for cats and I feel hurt to not be able to keep one just because you hate animals and take them as a source of money.”
“You may think killing animals is just a joke,” she continued, “But for us animal lovers, we feel alone when we don’t have a pet at home. You know killing animals is wrong, please Azman, I’m begging you, stop hunting animals and take up another job.”
“I know that,” I replied, “That’s why I’m telling you all this. But I need your help. After the dream I had last night, I thought of something else to do besides killing animals.”
I told her my idea on lending a helping hand towards animal protection, “But I can’t do it. I was a poacher and will always be. Wouldn’t people start accusing me when I start advising them to stop killing animals?”
“Don’t say that,” Suraiya cut me off, “You are doing well for mankind. Think about it. Tell me if you have any ideas.”
With that she left the room to prepare breakfast for the kids.