I will visit again

The evening sun cast a warm glow over Oliver's hometown as Issable, refreshed after freshening up, made her way to the heart of the home – the kitchen. There, she found Eleanor, Oliver's mother, gracefully orchestrating the culinary preparations for dinner.

"Let me help," Issable offered with a friendly smile, stepping into the bustling kitchen.

Eleanor turned to her, her eyes reflecting a mixture of warmth and hospitality. "No, you are my guest. Please, relax."

Issable chuckled, determined to contribute. "But you said I am a family member now! Can't I help you?" She playfully nudged Eleanor.

With a twinkle in her eye, Eleanor teased, "Well, you do have good skills in flattering others!"

Issable grinned, appreciating the banter. "Flattery can be a useful skill, but I genuinely want to assist. Cooking together could be a lot of fun!"

Eleanor considered Issable's earnestness and finally relented. "Alright then, let's make this a joint effort. How about you prepare the salad? Fresh ingredients are in the fridge."

Issable nodded enthusiastically. "Salad it is!" She embarked on her salad-making mission, the vibrant colors of the vegetables contrasting with the warmth of the kitchen.

They gathered at the dining table for dinner, and the delightful aroma of the meal filled the room. As they began to enjoy the dishes prepared by Mrs. Elinor, the atmosphere was filled with the clinking of cutlery and the joyous exchanges of conversation.

Amidst the shared laughter and delicious bites, Mrs. Elinor playfully teased Oliver, "You've found yourself a nice girl who's good at flattering!"

"She's indeed a paragon of kindness, Mom," Oliver replied with genuine admiration.

His father, a cunning spark in his eyes, inquired, "So, when did you find yourself captivated by her?"

Caught momentarily off guard, Oliver coughed, and with impeccable timing, Isabel handed him a glass of water.

After composing himself, he recounted, "When I first ventured to greet them as our new neighbors, and as she swung open the door, there was only one revelation."

A pause for emphasis, then with a smile, he declared, "She is undeniably cute!"

As the night drew near, Issable approached Mrs. Elinor with a question lingering in her mind.

"Mother, about my room?" she inquired.

With a thoughtful expression, Mrs. Elinor responded, "Oh dear, the guest room is currently under maintenance. How about staying in Oliver's room for tonight?"

Issable's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, what?" she exclaimed.

Mrs. Elinor chuckled, her tone filled with warmth. "Since you're family now, it only makes sense. Oliver's room is comfortable, and it's just for tonight."

Issable, though initially taken aback by the unexpected proposal, found herself swayed by Mrs. Elinor's welcoming demeanor. "Well, if it's just for tonight," she agreed.

Issable lay on Oliver's bed, facing a different direction, contemplating, "How the hell did this happen?"

Oliver, realizing the mix-up, apologized to Issable, saying, "Sorry, Issable, that was my mistake."

Issable, gracious as always, reassured him, "It's nothing. I made it myself."

After a few moments of silence, Issable broke it by calling out to Oliver, "Hey, Oliver!"

"Yes, Isabelle?" he responded, curious about what she wanted to discuss.

She turned to face him and asked about the statement he made to his family, "About that thing you said to your family, did you actually make it?"

Oliver hesitated for a moment before confessing, "Well, honestly, I'm not." The admission hung in the air, creating a moment of vulnerability between them.

"So, you really find me cute?" Issable asked him.

"Well, you are cute!" Oliver replied, his words carrying a genuine warmth that brought a smile to Issable's face.

Oh, really? Issable teased.

As the night settled in, the cozy room provided a tranquil atmosphere. Oliver and Issable found themselves engaged in a heartfelt conversation.

Outside, the village slept peacefully, and the moon cast a soft glow through the window. In the quietude of the night, Oliver and Issable discovered a deeper connection, a shared understanding that surpassed the spoken words.

As the conversation waned, a comfortable silence enveloped them. Oliver, feeling a sense of warmth and companionship, couldn't help but express his gratitude.

"I'm really glad you're here with me, Issable," he confessed, his gaze meeting hers.

Issable, touched by his sincerity, replied, "I'm glad too, Oliver. This trip has been an unexpected adventure, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

The morning sun painted the village in hues of gold as Oliver led Issable through the charming streets, weaving through the heart of his hometown. The air carried a serene quality, and the echoes of a distant stream added a melodic touch to the ambiance.

As they strolled, the villagers began their day, offering warm greetings and smiles. Oliver took pride in introducing Issable to the picturesque spots that held sentimental value for him, sharing anecdotes and stories that breathed life into the surroundings.

Amidst their explorations, they encountered a group of elders gathered near a centuries-old tree, the village's symbolic centerpiece. Oliver greeted them with respect, and the elders reciprocated with kind smiles. They observed the interaction with a keen eye, sensing a unique connection between Oliver and Issable.

One of the elders, a wise woman named Mrs. Abigail, spoke with a twinkle in her eye. "Oliver, who is this delightful young lady you've brought to our village?"

"This is Issable," Oliver replied, his voice filled with pride. "She's a dear friend who's become a part of our family."

Mrs. Abigail and the other elders exchanged knowing glances, and a soft chuckle escaped Mrs. Abigail's lips. "Well, Oliver, you've brought a ray of sunshine to our village. It's not every day we see a connection so genuine and heartwarming."

The elders showered compliments on Issable, expressing their joy at seeing Oliver accompanied by someone who brought such positivity.

The time had come for Oliver, Issable, and Oliver's parents to part ways as they prepared to leave the charming village. Gratitude filled the air as Elinor and Richard expressed their appreciation.

"Thanks for coming!" Elinor said with warmth in her voice.

"Please come again!" Richard added, echoing the sentiment.

"I will, father!" Issable replied, a smile playing on her lips.

"Please take care of my boy over there!" Elinor said with a playful glint in her eye.

"It's my duty!" Issable assured, her tone filled with sincerity.

Oliver, ever the considerate one, offered to fetch the car from the parking area. However, there was a momentary pause, and Elinor reached into her pocket.

"I just forgot one thing! Take this!" she said, handing Issable a pendant.

"No! I don't want it!" Issable hesitated.

"It's a family tradition," Richard explained.

Though reluctant, Issable accepted the pendant. "Thank you, Mother."

With that, they embarked on the journey back to the city. As they drove, Oliver turned to Issable, curiosity in his eyes.

"Did my parents say anything?" he inquired.

Issable looked at the pendant in her hand, a thoughtful expression on her face. "I hope I will visit here again."

"I wish too," Oliver teased, the gentle banter between them capturing the bittersweet essence of their departure from the enchanting village.