Nina came out of the house to feed the hens. It's half-past two in the evening but still, the sun hasn't shown up.
"It looks like a storm. Better put them all in the barnt," Albert said before leaving to meet his friend.
"Sure, father," Nina nodded.
She watched the forest behind her home and river Ere flows just adjacent to it.
It's a great backdrop that one wishes to live in and she always felt peaceful seeing the mist that moves slowly among the woods. And when it rains, she would watch it from her windows, they were so calming. Her life in this small village is peaceful and she doesn't have any great dreams to live far away from this place.
The Sinatra Kingdom is vast, and has many beautiful cities which she only heard of. She had only been to the neighboring town when they went to buy a dress for Lilly's marriage.
The silent hill lies at the west corner of the Kingdom which is often considered a dangerous place to live. Not many people like to live here because of the constant rain, fear of wild animals and no one cares about this serene wooded area.
Nina's father was born and grew up here. He married his first wife (Nina's mother) when he was twenty years old. He inherited his father's farm. Cultivated and sold these strawberries all over the Kingdom which got popular for its tangy-sweet taste, even the palace cook buys the strawberries from this farm. Albert made quite some money out of this.
After Nina's mother's death due to childbirth complications, he married Agnes and they had Lilly. Their life was mundane and happy somewhat.
Nina once wished to leave this village and wanted to learn painting when she got an opportunity to learn painting from the famous artist in the Kingdom, but Agnes planned something else for her. In the end, Nina ended up in this sleepy village and looking after this farm. But still, she used to draw occasionally as she didn't want to let go of that talent.
This storm slightly scares Nina because last time, their shed was overflowed by the flood and all their cattle got frightened of that terrible incident. Nina did what her father said before the rain could start and came out of the shed only to see Gerald on her doorstep. He's hesitant, waiting to knock on the door.
The rain has started to drizzle, covering her head with her hands, she scurried to the porch of her house.
Gerald was surprised to see her and Nina awkwardly stood before him. She wondered why she hadn't prepared for a moment like this. She's not at all looking great in her farm clothes, her hands and legs were covered in mud. Her long hair is tied in a messy braid.
"I came here to meet your father," said Gerald.
"Oh, he just left to meet his friend," Nina replied with a smile.
"Your mother, is she home?"
"She went to my sister's home, she will come back by tomorrow,"
Nina felt awkward because she realized they were alone here.
"Do you like to come inside and have a cup of tea?" She invites not knowing if it is even fitting for this moment.
"No, I don't want tea. I just want to talk to you," Gerald stood firm.
This is the first time they were having a conversation, and she's looking at him closely. He's not so pale, and fine-looking.
"I should have asked you instead of your father," Gerald stated. "But I thought it would be appropriate if I ask his approval first before asking you,"
Nina nodded and looked down, shyly.
"Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" he proposed.
Nina looked at him speechlessly, he's different compared to what she has thought about him. He's bold and determined in this.
"I… don't know what to say," Nina said to his dismay. He looked baffled by her reply.
"I am glad that you asked me but I wanted to be honest with you," she said not meeting his eyes, "I need some time to think,"
"What's there to think, Nina? It's just a simple yes or a no?" Gerald chuckled.
Nina didn't answer, she felt uncomfortable to reject this seemingly perfect man and at the same time, she can't put all her heart into the thought of marrying him. Something is stopping her.
"Your silence tells me that you don't want to marry me," said Gerald.
"No, that's not true," Nina retorted, "I asked you some time,"
Gerald nodded, "Fine, your father invited us to lunch this Sunday. I hope you will tell me your answer then," he said.
Nina nodded.
"I hope I am not compelling you into this," Gerald smiled.
"No, not at all," Nina smiled back. He looked like an understanding person and Nina pondered why not.
"I… hope I didn't hurt your feelings by my reply," she asked.
"No, not at all," he grinned, saying her answer.
They both had a moment of mutual liking.
"Why do you want to marry me?" she questioned him as she's curious about it.
"You are hard-working and a perfect wife to look after my farm. You look somewhat beautiful and healthy. And I might get your farm after your father's death. Don't you think we are perfect to get married?"
His reply made her frown. Just a moment before, she thought he could be one but now she doesn't want to marry this prick. Agnes is right, he's suspicious.
"Why don't you go home before the storm," Nina said.
"Yes, I don't want to ruin my jacket," Gerald agreed.
Nina watched him walk carrying an umbrella over his head and he turned to say, "I will wait for your yes, Nina,"
Nina didn't react. After he left, she mutters, "Huh! Happen only in your dreams,"
Nina rolled her eyes and walked inside her home.
She can't help but smile at how everything turns over in her life. It's better that she didn't fall into this marriage trap and also she didn't have great expectations of him.
Instead of marrying a man who wants to have only the good things around her. She wanted someone different, who understands her heart and gives respect to her decisions.
When am I going to meet that kind of man? Nina asked while washing up.
She saw her reflection in the mirror, her ocean blue eyes stared back at her. Plastering a smile, Nina said to herself that everything is going to be alright.
She lit up the table lamp and wore her nightdress as she had nothing more to do for the night except falling asleep. The rain is pouring outside and she doubted how her father will come back, he's probably going to stay at his friend's home.
After getting under the sheets, she tried to sleep but the thunder didn't let her and being alone in the house worried her.
She sat up, leaning against the window grill. The mist covered her face as she looked at the rain.
It's so dark outside, but the sudden sight of her white pet goat Rumi near the river widened her pupils. It again escaped from the shelter to Nina's annoyance.
Nina doesn't want to go outside in this rain but she has no other option. Carrying a parasol over her head, she made her way to the river.