CHAPTER 9

a month has passed..

I woke up because of birds chirping. I saw them coming inside my room, and I stood up and slowly walked towards the bird near my lamp. I was going to catch it, but it saw me and flew right into my face. I stumbled to the door, and hit my head. Then the birds started flying away, I didn't even get a chance to get one, and so I stood up and started fixing myself before going downstairs. When I came down, I didn't see Gavin, but there was bread on the table with coffee, leaving a note that he went out to buy some meat for lunch. While I was eating, I decided to go to the forest. I thought that there might be some apples too. I hurriedly finished my food, went outside, and took my basket with me.

When I went outside, I was amazed by the beauty of the meadow. The grass was Eden-green and thigh-high to a thrush. The mountains in the distance had peaks that looked as cruel as a hag’s teeth. It was the only part of the meadow that looked off in some way. The rest of it was paradise.

It wasn’t just the sights that pleased the senses. The sounds, smells and tastes were out of this world also. The sky above the meadow was a feast for the eyes. The warm breeze blew the grasses and leaves that made them look magical. As I walked further, I finally reached the forest that is so lush and full of life. I first took a deep breath before entering the forest.

As I entered the forest, I saw flowers that I have never seen in my whole life. They were big and small, colorful, and in harmony with the surroundings of the forest. I could smell the fragrance of the forest, it almost smelled like the ocean. I could see the squirrels, I could hear a woodpecker pecking the tree, it was beautiful. I started walking inside and was getting amazed by the beauty of the forest the farther I went. I knew I was distracted, but I can't just pass by the perfection of nature. It was as if it brought me back to life. It drew me into their world.

As the distance from where I left off got far, I could feel the forest telling me to enjoy their magnificence. It brought a smile onto my face as I looked around looking for rosy-colored apples. Now that I thought of apples, I hadn’t decided yet what to do with these. ‘Should I bake pies or peel and eat them?’ I thought. “Hmm, nevermind! I’ll decide when I get home”, then I proceeded to pick apples I saw across.

After I finished collecting apples, I turned my back only to find out that I was already lost in this green, natural paradise. I panicked as I had no clue of my tracks before reaching here and where I am supposed to go. I started running, just running straight without even attempting to remember where I came from. Heavy breathing and panting occurred to me as soon as I stopped. I thought I had myself on track again only to find out that I kept coming back into the same spot.

MR. GAVIN’S P.O.V

I thought of telling Amari that I am going to the market which was just below from where we lived, the Hill Village. But then, Amari was still fast asleep so I chose not to wake her up. Before heading off, I prepared bread and tea for Amari’s breakfast. And since I couldn’t wake her up as I do not want to disturb, I left a note instead. I put on my cardigan as the early morning’s cold, gentle breeze greeted me outside. I then rode on my horse and went on.

As I was on my way to the market to buy meat for lunch, I kept on thinking about Amari. Has she woken up? Has she eaten yet? As a butler assigned to Amari, I care for her. Not just because it’s my assignment, but it’s because we’re close to the point that I really do care for her. She’s like a sister to me. While thoughts were running, I didn’t realize that I am already near the market. “Perfect timing to snap back from reality, eh?” I said , and went on to the stalls that sold meat.

After a while, I was able to buy beef, pork, lamb, and mutton before they were sold out. I roamed around as I thought if I should still buy. Just as I was thinking, the fresh vegetables and salmon caught my eyes, and so I bought them. I bought enough food for the week. I rode on my horse and went straight home, where Amari is waiting. On the way home, I enjoyed the morning scenery of nature as I felt the sunlight’s kiss on my skin. “Ah, what a wonderful day it is,” I said to myself. “The weather’s absolutely beautiful today, don’t you think so Marquis?” I asked my horse and he neighed as a sign that he agreed.

when I finally got home, it was oddly silent but I didn’t mind it. “Amari, I’m home!”, I shouted. Still, the surrounding was silent and I could only hear the wind’s whispers. I thought that she was only playing around since she might be bored while I was away. “Is this a new hobby of yours, Amari?” I chuckled. And when I opened the door, I felt a hunch that Amari’s missing. I told myself that maybe she’s still sleeping as I unpacked what I bought from the market, “Amari, you can come out now! I know you’re playing around”. I was panicking with a calm face as I approached the door to her room upstairs. I knocked three times first before opening the door.

My hunch was right, she really isn’t here.

I got frightened knowing that she isn't at home, where has she gone? i kept coming in and out of the house to check where she was but not even a pair of green eyes met mine, i ran towards my horse, i was about to ride and head to the village when dark clouds surrounded the forest, she isn't in the forest, is she? I thought looking directly straight to the meadow, seeing small foot prints going towards the forest.

She is!