The guard briefly explained the forest and gave directions toward the hill for the campaign, the huge waterfalls, and where we could find wild animals. Ralph was nodding his head earnestly and also clarifying his doubts. When the guard finished briefing, there was a huge smile on Ralph's face and an eagerness to explore this damn forest. I could only conclude that my day is going to be hell, and of course, I am not going to say the same aloud. This is not my bloody thing.
After packing everything, we started exploring, and I was tailing him. I have applied loads of cream to my body to be safe from insects and carried many. After a few minutes of self-loathing, I was beside Ralph, stealing various changes that were taking on his face. He was damn excited that he had totally forgotten me and also his speaking ability. I wanted to cross-confirm how he was feeling about this outing, but when I saw his face beaming with a smile, I held back from questioning anything. At least someone is damn enjoying. The outcome of this outing turned out to be good, but I was annoyed as he was ignoring my existence.
Ralph would occasionally stop to show or explain things about trees, insects, or some wild animals. Is he sure that he mastered damn management and finance? I fucking doubt that. How the hell does he know so much about these things? It's science-related things, right, not bloody general knowledge.
By the time we reached the hill, I was exhausted mentally and physically. I was overflowing with so much information that I didn't know where to store it, so I promptly ignored every piece of information that was poured in by Ralph. Common, I didn't ask for it; the guy should get it by seeing my face. I was sucked by everywhere and from everyone. This damn lotion is not that good. I swear some insects were latching me like a long-found lover.
The wind was blowing, and every nerve in my body was cooling down, including my annoyance. I closed my eyes for a few seconds. I wanted so badly to teleport to my apartment. If only I had powers. I sighed. I don't know how many times and how many more times I am going to. When I opened my eyes, Ralph was beside me with closed eyes. I smiled at my achievement by seeing his smile.
If I had possessed any power, the probability ratio of using the same would be zero for damn sure. I cursed for being damn weak, which is so not my thing.
"We should fix the tent and start preparing something to eat. I don't know about you, but I am going to die if I don't have anything in another few minutes." In return, by chuckling, he nodded his head. I stated the fact. Ralph loves food. It's been almost four hours; he is behaving like he is not hungry, and I thought only food could fill one stomach. He is strangely so happy to mind anything or to feel his stomach; that's all I could make out of everything.
Almost single-handedly, he set up the tent. Oh boy, he is good at this. He must campaign frequently with his pests, I guess. I only tied the rope strongly; least I could contribute, as I was still amazed at the way he set up the tent. "You are good at this." Ralph smiled after hearing my comment. "Yeah, I love camping, and frequently I like to go on one." Right, thank God I was saved, and this will be my last. I would never dream of one more. By nodding, I made my way to prepare some food. The reason why I hate emotional attachment is damn it forces us to do so many things and it turns us blind.
I prepared fish curry and rice, and we had the same with beer. It was already 4 pm, and the sun was still shining brightly, making me wince about the weather. As it was turning 5 pm, the weather was turning a little cold, and the wind started blowing. Ralph shivered a little and came closer to me. I want to point out that my lap was free, and he could use it, but I didn't push my luck. I endured so much since morning, and he has blessed me with his closeness, so yeah, enough, I can sustain the whole night. It was not like he would stop me if I started doing things with him, but these memorable moments I need a lot to cherish forever. Whatever I might do, I know the result, and these moments are the only things that I am going to get at last, and I am fucking done with complaining.
Ralph was staring at me, and it took a few seconds to notice as he had occupied my thoughts. Physical and mental health were at stake. God help me. By turning toward, him, I raised a questioning eyebrow. "You were deep in your thoughts." Thanks to you. Why the hell were my eyes laid on you? God, I am fucked up from everywhere. "What is it?" I sighed umpteenth time. "Random thoughts." He rolled his eyes. "What is it?" "Thinking about the future and my career. You won't get it." "What about the future and career? It's on track. Why are you worried for no reason?" I scoffed. That was not what I was thinking; still, I am worried about both. "You won't get it, golden spoon." "So, help me understand rather than bloody mocking." That came out loud in an angry tone. We should never poke calm men as they will erupt like lava. Calming them is fucking hard. "I want to be successful with my own effort and hard work. Yeah, I am reaching there, but stress, anxiety, and other shitty things have become my guests. They won't miss to visit me." "I am not exactly getting your problem because I am very impressed with your work, and I know you will be successful." Easy to say, I wanted to sprout that, but I didn't want to pour water on his efforts. He was my backbone back then when we became friends and even more when we started dating. His friends are fortunate to have Ralph as their friend. He never judges and is always ready to help anyone, anytime.
The reason why the hell I loathe Asher's entry back into Ralph's life and hate his pests and family to the core for pushing him again.
"Stop doing that and enjoy this." It's not my thing; I wanted to shout. I hate this silence; I want damn buzzing everywhere, which encourages me to become one of them. Not this crappy annoying thing staying in the middle of nowhere. Nope. I wanted to yell in his face. When I thought about whose plan it was, I shut my mouth. I really thought I could survive two nights—no big deal, but it's fucking turning out like one. Everything is pushing me to think too much emotionally and draining my energy. I wanted to change his mood and bring back the adorable smile on his face, but in the flow, I am fucking losing something.
I was in shock when Ralph was in my lap. We were like that for a few seconds, and he crashed his lips with mine. It was a hard kiss. I tasted the iron content in my mouth and had no complaints. I wanted a diversion, and this one is the best one. After a few seconds, we broke the kiss, panting on each other. "Stop fucking thinking." He was trying to get up from my lap, but I held him tighter, and we stayed in the same position.
The next day I was woken up by sunlight, and Ralph was on my shoulder snoring. I enjoyed this. After a few minutes, Ralph jerked a little and was awake too. He yawned a little louder, and by rubbing his face, he mumbled good morning. "We should cover the remaining things, so let us get fresh and get going." He nodded his head. It took almost 2 hours to finish the usual chores. After having instant food, we started packing.
Ralph was very attentive while moving, maybe due to wild animals or something. If he is more attentive than this, I won't complain; I don't want to become food for wild animals. I can't even imagine that scenario. The sound of birds chirping, dry leaves crunching sound, our exhausted breathing, and occasionally some animal sounds were only our entertainment for the time. Ralph would take a break now and then when he found something amusing, like old trees, rare bird sights, and so on. The only thing that bothers me most is when he starts pouring information into me. I am not interested in storing anything, not even the slightest. Is he not getting it or what?
It was already evening. After taking a long bath in the fall, we stopped in the middle of the forest and started setting up the tent. Once again, I was in the audience and amazed by Ralph.
The next day we woke early to get back to the glass house. After packing our belongings, we stayed a few more hours to take rest, and by afternoon we left the house.
I somehow survived these two nights, and I can manage this way rather than going back to face the bloody reality.