Chapter 0.8

Athea stirred awake to the cheerful chirping of birds, blinking as the early morning light warmed her face. She sat up abruptly, realizing she must have dozed off outside.

Athea (panicked, thinking): Oh no, I fell asleep! Did they see me? Are they still here?

She looked around, hoping her parents had already gone off to work. Seeing no sign of them, she sighed in relief and tiptoed toward the door, ready to make her escape before anyone noticed.

Just as her hand touched the doorknob, her dad's voice rang out behind her.

Father (cheerful): Well, look who's up early! Good morning, Athea. Care to join us for breakfast?

Athea (startled, trying to sound calm): Uh—g-good morning, Dad! Yeah, I... guess I am up early…

Father (grinning): Slept outside, didn't you? We found you all curled up out there.

Athea (nervous, rubbing her neck): Oh, yeah… guess I was… tired?

Father (teasing): You must've had big plans, huh? Let's go eat before you go running off.

Athea nodded, her heart racing as she followed him inside, secretly plotting her next chance to visit her friend in the forest.

As Athea and her father stepped inside, her mother greeted her with a warm smile from the table.

Mother (amused): Morning, sweetheart! Look at you, up with the sun! You must've been eager for something.

Athea (fidgeting, trying to play it cool): Morning, Mom! I... just felt like waking up early.

Mother (teasing): Really? Not planning to disappear into the woods again, are you?

Father (laughing): Ah, she just wants to play. Right, Athea?

Athea (quickly nodding, nervous): Yup! Just play... maybe, y'know, outside.

Mother (raising an eyebrow): Well, just make sure not to wander too far. And be back before lunch, alright?

Athea (smiling, relieved): Got it, Mom!

Mother (playfully): Good, because last time you tried sneaking off, we nearly had a search party!

Athea laughed nervously, grabbing some food and quickly eating, eyes darting to the door now and then. She couldn't wait to finish so she could finally make her way to the forest.

As Athea continued her breakfast, her father leaned in with a playful grin, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Father (grinning, teasing): You know, when I picked you up earlier, you were smiling and dreaming. You were murmuring something like "Reey."

Athea's cheeks flushed as she glanced down, trying to hide her embarrassment.

Athea (nervously giggling): I... I wasn't dreaming about anything!

Father (playfully): Oh? So you don't have a special friend in mind? My little girl is all grown up! Maybe you'll even get married one day—

Before he could finish, Athea's mother shot him a warning look and swiftly pinched his ear, her expression a mix of amusement and exasperation.

Mother (mock-serious, with a smirk): What was that, sweetie?

Father (grinning, trying to wiggle free): Ouch! I was just teasing!

Athea (giggling, blushing): You're both silly!

Mother (softening, smiling at Athea): Just remember, young lady, focus on your studies for now. Boys can wait!

Athea (feigning seriousness): Yes, yes! I'm all about my studies!

Father (rubbing his ear, chuckling): Yes, yes, no marrying until you're at least... uh, twenty!

Athea (laughing nervously): Okay, okay! No marrying!

Mother (leaning closer, whispering conspiratorially): But if you do find someone special, make sure they treat you right, understood?

Athea (wide-eyed, nodding): Yes, Mama! I promise!

Father (joining in, dramatically): And if they don't, I'll be waiting with my trusty fishing pole to scare them off!

Athea (giggling): Dad, you're ridiculous!

They all burst into laughter, filling the kitchen with warmth and joy. The playful banter made Athea feel light-hearted, but deep down, she couldn't shake the thought of Rei and her promise to return to him.

As they finished breakfast, her mother stood to clear the dishes.

Mother (smiling): Alright, enough of the silliness for now. We have chores to do!

Father (playfully sighing): Always work to be done, huh? Can't a man just enjoy his breakfast in peace?

Athea (standing up, ready to help): I'll help, Mama!

Mother (gratefully): Thank you, sweetie. And make sure you finish your chores quickly, so you can go out and play later.

Athea (perking up): I will!

As they worked together, Athea's mind drifted back to the forest and the promise she made to Rei. She hoped she could find a way to sneak away soon.

Days drifted by, each one slipping further from her promise to Rei. Every attempt to sneak out had been met with some obstacle—a watchful parent, a nosy neighbor, or simply her own clumsiness. One evening, Athea lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, running through all her failed plans with a sigh.

Athea (thinking, exasperated): It's been a whole week, and I haven't managed to sneak out once!

She rolled over, smushing her pillow and scrunching her nose in frustration. Then, after a moment, a funny thought popped into her head, and a sly, smug grin crept onto her face.

Athea (smugly, thinking): I mean… do I just suck at sneaking, or am I actually such a good daughter that I can't bring myself to disobey Mama and Papa?

She let out a soft laugh at the idea, picturing herself as the "perfect" daughter, always obedient, always following the rules. But her laugh quickly faded as she glanced over to her window, the moonlight casting a faint glow across her room. She could still remember Rei's confused expression, the way his eyes lit up when she talked to him, and how he had shyly laughed with her.

Athea (thinking, determined): I have to see him. He's probably waiting, wondering where I am…

She let out a sigh and hugged her pillow, determined to try again tomorrow. If being a "good daughter" was keeping her from seeing Rei, well… maybe it was time to bend the rules just a little.