"Be patient and tough; someday this pain will be useful to you"
.
.
.
"𝒮𝒸𝒶𝓇𝓁𝑒𝓉𝓉 𝒫𝒪𝒱"
The gentle sunlight and birdsong woke me up from my lovely slumber. I yawned and stretched, relishing the last vestiges of nice dreams as reality crept in.
I got out of bed, tossed off the warm comforter, and walked over to the window. The view stole my breath away: undulating hills filled with wildflowers extended as far as the eye could reach, like something out of a postcard.
The delicious fragrance of pancakes and bacon drew me downstairs to the kitchen. Enora welcomed me cheerfully. "Did you sleep well?" she said, her eyes twinkling.
"Yes," I answered, smelling the enticing aromas. "It's so peaceful here compared to where I live."
Enora gave a kind grin. "Good. Let me know if you require anything, my darling."
"Thank you," I said sincerely, gazing hungrily at the heavenly bacon on my plate.
Heavy footsteps echoed down the stairs as Gavin staggered in, his hair sticking out in all directions and his eyes barely awake. He sat down next to me, unaware of my presence, and said a sleepy "Mom, is there any milk?"
When Enora informed him he had to care for me while she was at work, milk splashed everywhere and he nearly yelled, "What?! But Mom, I'm going out with Ren and the others!"
"That's good," Enora said gently. "Scarlet could use some fresh faces."
Gavin began to object, but Enora cut him off. "No ifs, no buts, that's an order." She hurried out, warning me to be cautious and to stick close to Gavin and his friends.
Gavin sighed deeply, and awkwardness and tension filled the air.
Before breaking the tense pause, I took a big breath.
"You know, if you don't want me to go with you, that's OK with me. "I can stay here," I said softly.
He groaned and turned to face me. "Go prepare yourselves. I don't wanna be late." He rose to his feet. "I hope I won't come to regret this." He went to his room without saying anything more.
I cracked a smile. This is going to be a fantastic day! I went to my room to get dressed, donning a plain outfit. I'm going to make the most of this trip to explore this world and perhaps find a route back home.
Arriving at our destination, the forest, I followed Gavin, looking around. I'm curious why they opted to meet here. However, the beauty of nature makes me feel more at peace.
I became aware of eyes on me.
"Hey, you're the girl Gavin told us about?" A lovely girl with dark navy hair and orchid eyes approached me. I couldn't take my eyes off her. "My name is Deroras," she added, smiling, putting out her hand.
"Oh, nice to meet you. My name is Scarlett," I said, holding her hand in mine and smiling back.
"Where is Ren?" Gavin interrupted us.
"He said he's coming," Deroras stated.
I wondered who Ren was.
"Speaking of which, there he is," Deroras pointed to a young man, black hair and a model-like physique.
My attention was drawn to his two-toned Asian eyes as he approached.
He gave me a frown when he saw me. "I didn't know we had a new member," he remarked, staring at Gavin.
"She's Scarlet, the girl I told you yesterday," Gavin stated quickly.
Ren paused, then led Gavin away, leaving me perplexed. Did I make a mistake? I examined them, searching for some clarification.
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