My New Home

My mind was reeling in shock. Did she just… offer me a place to stay? I met her gaze, searching for any sign of deception, but found none.

"I- um... Are you certain?" I asked, doubt lacing my voice.

"Of course, dearie. I'm certain," she replied with a warm smile.

I was speechless. My fingers fidgeted as I stared at the floor, my eyes welling up with tears.

Miss Gertie's smile faltered, replaced by concern. "Are you alright?"

"Yes... Thank you. Thank you," I whispered, meeting her gaze again.

"Oh, dear… it's my pleasure. I'd love to have someone around."

"This means a lot..." I murmured, my voice thick with emotion.

She placed a gentle hand over mine, a comforting gesture.

"No need to cry now, dear. I feel somewhat responsible."

"Right... sorry."

She squeezed my hand gently, and I felt at ease. She was sweet… and kind.

"Rest now, my dear. You seem exhausted," she said softly.

"Alright," I whispered, still smiling gratefully.

I sniffled, slowly rising from the chair as Miss Gertie gestured toward a spare bed. I lay down, sinking into the soft mattress. It had been years since I had rested this comfortably—although, in truth, I had no real concept of how long it had been.

"Good night," I murmured before my eyes fluttered shut.

"Good night, dearie," she whispered.

I slept soundly in the comfort of the bed, the fireplace casting a warm glow across the room. The next morning, I woke to the sight of a young girl standing near me. She appeared slightly older than me, with sandy blonde hair and striking ocean-blue eyes. She wore a dark blue, provocative dress adorned with multiple silver beads that shimmered in the light.

"What on earth?" She spoke in a cold and critical tone.

"Uh- Hello... Good morning?" I managed to speak, though a bit nervously.

"Yeah yeah... Now speak! What are you doing here?!" 

"I- I could ask you the same..." I spoke, slowly getting up from the bed.

"I own this house, peasant. Don't you dare interrogate me!" She spoke, her voice laced with irritation and indifference.

"I- Miss Gertr-!"

"Oh, that old hag, huh? She let you in?" 

"I- I- Th-That's rude... How could you call her that?"

"She's my grandma. I can call her whatever I want."

"Do you have no manners? You should respect your elders." I spoke, my voice displeased.

"Why should I care about some old woman? And how dare you lecture me, peasant!" 

I saw Miss Gertie enter the room. "What's going on in here?"

"She was disrespec-" My voice was cut off by the ill-mannered brat.

"How dare you let this piece of filth in my house, granny?"

For the first time, I saw Miss Gertie genuinely unhappy. She spoke, her voice tinged with sadness and anger. "Why can't you ever behave? She's a guest, and she'll live here as long as she pleases."

"Pfft... so you decided to adopt her? Did you feel that lonely without me?" The brat's voice was cruel, filled with mockery.

I suddenly remembered the time the auctioneer and the people made fun of me. It, all of a sudden, made my blood boil. "ENOUGH!"

The brat turned to me, "Excuse me?"

"You have no shame! No manners! How dare you speak to Miss Gertie that way, you wretch! Even if you are her granddaughter, you have no damn right to treat her this way!!" I snapped.

The brat was silent for a moment, before replying with her usual snarky tone. "How dare you... You'll pay for that."

With that, she stormed out of the room, stomping her feet on the floor. Miss Gertie walked up to me, putting her hand on my shoulder. I let out a sigh before putting my hand on hers.

"You can't allow her to treat you this way," my voice filled with genuine concern.

"I'm used to it. She has quite the temper."

"But-" I tried to argue, to make her understand that this wasn't okay but she shushed me.

"Don't worry, dear. It'll be alright... By the way, she's Raylin. She might be a bit... rude, but I'm sure you two will make good friends. "

I doubted... but I nodded anyway. Miss Gertie led me to the dining area where Raylin sat with her feet on the table. She was munching on some food, and when she saw me, she sneered at me, "Heh... the brat got favor of the old hag," her tone laced with sarcasm and mockery.

I clenched my fists, ready to fire back, but Miss Gertie's eyes, though soft, held a quiet plea—one that rooted me in place before I could utter another word. I sighed, and turned to Miss Gertie.

"I... I want some fresh air. I'll be back as soon as possible."

"Of course, dear. Take care," she smiled.

I walked out of the apothecary. The market was bustling with activity, people were roaming here and there. I walked around, noticing some stalls with lovely gifts. I had no money on me, otherwise, I would've bought something for Miss Gertie. 

Suddenly, my eye caught the sight of a little boy, sneakily stealing some bread from a stall. His gaze met mine and he started sprinting away, and I found myself running after him.

"Wait!" I cried out.