09 Dog

I had so many expectations about what lay behind the gate. Call me delusional, but that's what you get when you have nothing but time to do nothing. I let my mind wander, imagining it as some mystical place, but the reality was completely different.

In fact, everything was actually normal.

Subpar at most.

Compared to the main residence, the buildings here were decent-looking, with white stone glistening in the summer sun and grey slate roofs. I assumed these houses were meant to cater to the live-in staff working here.

I wasn't aware that the compound needed so many workers to function. It seemed wasteful, seeing that the gardens were self-supporting, but I couldn't very well say that aloud since it was the livelihood for these people.

Walking around, I noticed that the 'kid' was rather popular with the people here. Everyone kept saying hi to him while ignoring me. Some eyes lingered on me for a few moments, but that was basically it. No one said anything and left.

Looking up at the 'kid' who was busy chatting with every single person who passed by him, a curious feeling hit me.

I wonder... 🤔

Should I test this feeling out? I was usually right about these things, but did I want it to be true?

Well, I had gathered a few hints along the way, and the information was heading in a certain direction.

But what were the odds that there would be two?

Was it the pesky older brother's doing?

Did he assign me another guard in the form of this 'kid'?

If he did, this 'kid' was nothing much.

Was this what it meant by opposites attract?

Ryder, who guarded silently in the shadows, and this 'kid,' who guarded noisily in broad daylight?

What's next? A dog following me? 🐕

As we continued walking, Felix turned back to me, his smile never wavering. "So, what do you think of this part of the garden?"

"It's... different," I replied, choosing my words carefully.

He laughed. "Yeah, it's not as grand as the main residence, but it has its charm."

I nodded, still lost in my thoughts. If Felix was indeed another guard assigned to me, he was certainly more engaging than Ryder. But why the need for two? What did they expect me to do?

My mind raced with possibilities as we approached a small courtyard. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves overhead. Despite my suspicions, I couldn't help but feel a sense of calm.

Felix noticed my contemplative silence and stopped walking. "Hey, are you okay?"

"Just thinking," I replied, not wanting to give away too much.

"About what?"

"Life, bread, the usual," I said with a smirk. 😏

He chuckled. "Well, if you ever want to talk, I'm here."

I glanced at him, trying to gauge his sincerity. He seemed genuine, but I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to him than met the eye.

As we stood there, surrounded by the tranquility of the hidden garden, I realized that maybe, just maybe, having Felix around wasn't such a bad thing. Whether he was a guard or just a friendly face, his presence brought a sliver of normalcy to my otherwise chaotic life.

For now, I decided to play along and see where this strange new alliance would lead. After all, I had nothing to lose and perhaps something to gain.

"Alright, Felix," I said, breaking the silence. "Show me where to get more bread."