The bleeding sun was rising over the horizon, the rays illuminating the fields behind the orphanage. I was already up, standing there, enjoying the frosty breeze which carried with it the smell of mildew.
I was scared of meeting her again.
However, just like last time, I prepared some food, grabbed the gift and left a note for the Matron, heading towards that enchanting meadow again.
I visited the meadow frequently ever since that day, hoping that I'd run into her by 'accident'. I wanted to be reassured she wouldn't leave me.
However, it never happened.
My breath turned into a misty cloud as the gravel crunched below my shoes, the canopy of trees blocking the few beams of sunlight that were around this early.
I stared in awe when I arrived at the meadow. The beams of sunlight refracted off the mildew which covered the roses, painting a wonderful picture. I felt bad for walking along the meadow, ruining the natural art piece.
It was only when I arrived at the narrow forest path that I realized she might be sleeping at this time.
…
…
I pushed forwards, trying to figure something out… if she was asleep, what would I do? Knock on the door and wake her up? I did have food with me… perhaps I could offer it to her as breakfast?
However, my worries were quickly dispelled when I arrived at the small cottage she resided in. There was a pale light piercing through the graying curtains that covered the windows. I could see her silhouette moving around inside.
With a smile on my face, I gently knocked on the door and waited, being greeted by a Dahlia, wearing nothing but a simple nightgown. Her disheveled black hair looked especially attractive, as did the surprised smile on her face.
''I was thinking you would never come back,'' Dahlia said, moving aside to allow Nishio to enter.
''I… Of course not. Why wouldn't I come back?'' I said with an awkward smile on my face. Dahlia's cleavage was a massive attraction to a young teen like me. Dahlia noticed me taking a glimpse and smiled to herself, leaving me embarrassed.
''I was just about to make breakfast, come and sit down,'' Dahlia said, once again entering the kitchen. The kettle was currently on, letting out a gentle hiss. A frying pan with scrambled eggs sat on the gas stove.
''I brought a little something too, just in case…'' I replied, sitting down and unpacking my rucksack. I placed the plastic box with bacon and cheese sandwiches on the table.
''Look delicious,'' Dahlia said with a sweet smile, attending the gas stove. I stole glances at her back once in a while, my eyes slowly moving lower and lower, eventually arriving at her behind before crawling down her legs. I smacked myself on the head and looked away, instead feeling the velvet box in my pocket.
''Would you like some tea?'' Dahlia asked as she set the table, placing a plate in front of me.
''Ah, yes please.''
''AaaH!'' Dahlia screamed out, dropping the kettle and holding her wrist with a painful grimace on her face. I immediately stood up and grabbed her before more hot water could spill on her.
''Are you okay? I'm so sorry,'' I said, panic and genuine concern filling my voice. ''Run it under cold water while I clean this up, okay?'' I continued. Before I could move away, however, she grabbed my arm and made me sit down on the ground beside her.
''Dahlia…? If you don't run it under cold water, it's going to leave a scar…'' I whispered, concerned for her.
''And? If it scars, will you stop loving me?'' Dahlia said in reply, albeit wincing in pain.
''Of course not. It's just a scar. But you're in a lot of pain right now, and… wouldn't you find a scar ugly?'' I told her, not knowing what to do with my hands.
''Like you said, it's only a scar. I'm already ugly on the inside, so, does it matter anymore?''
''Don't say that…'' I whispered in reply, wrapping my arms around her. It was slightly awkward because of how she was sitting, and I ended up hugging her shoulder more than anything. ''We all have our flaws.''
Dahlia giggled. ''I don't think being a murderer is as simple as a flaw. I think it's called being mentally ill.''
''Ah, I suppose…'' I began. However, she quickly shut me up by laying down on the floor and pulling me down with her, my head now resting on her stomach.
''This…''
''Mmm? Are you disappointed? Would you rather lay down on my lap?'' Dahlia asked, stroking my head.
''Whatever is comfortable for you is fine…'' I replied, too embarrassed to say yes. However, as if sensing something, she adjusted herself and leaned against the wall, letting my head rest on her lap.
''Can I… ask you something?'' I asked, looking up at her. It was a strange feeling, looking up at a beautiful woman like that.