The Cave of the Yellow Dog

The story begins with Nansal returning home from boarding school to her modest family of five, who live in a yurt and rely on their livestock—including sheep, goats, and cattle—for sustenance. As the threat of wolves looms, her father becomes increasingly anxious about their survival, fearing for their herd’s safety.

While collecting dung outdoors, Nansal discovers a black and white dog and affectionately names him Zochor (Spot). Her father, however, harbors concerns about the potential danger this dog might bring, knowing wolves often inhabit caves, and they could follow Zochor’s scent to attack their livestock.

After packing supplies, Nansal’s father sets off on his motorbike to sell the pelts of sheep that wolves have slain. He instructs his wife to eliminate the newly adopted dog before his return. Nansal, tasked with grazing the herd, soon becomes distracted and wanders away, prompting her mother to search frantically when the herd returns without her.

In her wandering, Nansal stumbles into the yurt of a kind elderly woman who offers her shelter and food while a storm rages outside. During her stay, she hears the tale of the Cave of the Yellow Dog, where a yellow dog becomes trapped inside a cave by a man trying to treat his daughter’s illness.

Just when the mother discovers Nansal and takes her home, the father arrives to find Zochor still with the family. Although displeased, he brings gifts for his wife and children, like a plastic ladle and a flashlight. In an attempt to solve the “dog problem,” he tries to sell Zochor to some wolf hunters. But Nansal intervenes, explaining she found Zochor in a cave, thus foiling the sale.

As the family prepares to move, they load their belongings and the yurt onto carts drawn by their cattle. The three children climb onto the wagons, with Nansal assigned to watch over her younger brother. Unfortunately, Zochor is tethered, unable to follow them, and Nansal’s distraction allows her brother to escape.

Realizing their son is missing, the father quickly turns back on his horse, racing against time. Meanwhile, their son wanders closer to a flock of vultures near a stream, moving farther away from Zochor. Just as the boy approaches danger, Zochor manages to break free and successfully drives the vultures away. This event is witnessed by the father, who, grateful for Zochor’s bravery in protecting his son, finally welcomes the dog into their family.

In a heartwarming conclusion, the family’s wagons roll down the road, with Nansal and Zochor sharing a spot inside one of the wagons, while a passing truck blares reminders for the upcoming elections, symbolizing a new chapter in their lives.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 11:18