CHAPTER 43
THE SAD MONSTER
"It is an honor for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling."
PROVERBS 20:3
Under the shade of a towering tree, a young orphan named Saduc sat, his eyes tracking the carefree movements of his peers playing in the distance. Amidst the laughter and games, he noticed a solitary figure - Elise, the woman with the cursed face, sitting alone under a massive mahogany tree.
Intrigued and empathetic, Saduc wondered if she, like him, was lonely because her unique appearance kept others away.
Ignoring the cautionary tales from the adults, Saduc felt a pull towards Elise. He decided to share his apples with her, a small gesture of solidarity from one outcast to another.
"Thank you," Elise responded, her voice as sweet as a lullaby, which left Saduc momentarily confused.
"Is there anything wrong?" Elise asked, her voice laced with concern.
"Can I interrupt?" A male voice chimed in. The boy glanced up to find Mackis.