Igor lay on his temporary bed outside the treehouse, listening to the sounds of the forest. The rhythmic chirping of crickets, the distant hoot of an owl, and the gentle rustling of leaves created a symphony that had always been a lullaby to him.
Yet tonight, despite the soothing sounds, sleep eluded him. His mind was occupied with thoughts of Olivia and the conversation with his mother.
"My son, where did you find that girl? She shouldn't be here," his mother's voice suddenly echoed in his mind, startling him.
Igor took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before responding. "Mama, I'm sorry. I know I promised not to bring anyone here, but she was in grave danger. She nearly drowned in the river, and she has no place to go. I couldn't just leave her."
His mother's silence was palpable, filling the space between them. Igor felt a wave of guilt and continued, "I know it might seem like I did something wrong, but she was so helpless. I couldn't bear to walk away and let her die. She's lost and scared, and I thought... I thought we could help her."
His mother's voice softened slightly, though still tinged with concern. "I understand your compassion, my son, but bringing an outsider here is dangerous for both her and us." Her voice paused, reminding the severity of the matter before turning into a gentle soothing melody. "However, you did the right job, my son. I am proud of you." Her voice turned affectionate, which made Igor happy once again.
"Ahh, I knew you would agree. You're the best, Mama." He kissed the tree trunk he was sitting on with affection, as if expressing his love.
A small branch patted him back as if accepting his love. At the same time, various thoughts crossed the Evergreen Tree's mind.
"Hmm. There's still the boundary set up by me. Then how did this human girl appear here? She seemed to be in deep thought.
"Fate, is this one of your signals reminding me that I should just let go of my son now?" She asked fate in desperation.
"Then, what about my love and care? Was I not a real mother? Are all my efforts mean nothing to you? How can you be so heartless?
"No, I don't want my son to leave me. He has become my reason to stay alive. What should I do?" She lamented her fate as if it was snatching the most precious treasure of her life. She felt immense sadness just imagining her baby boy's parting silhouette, waving her goodbye, leaving her alone.
As Igor lay there, he sensed the turmoil in his mother's thoughts, feeling her sadness and desperation. His heart ached, knowing that his actions, though well-intentioned, had caused her distress. He reached out with his mind, trying to offer comfort. "Mama, I promise, I'll be careful. Olivia won't harm us. She's kind and curious, just like me."
The Evergreen Tree's branches rustled softly, as if considering his words, even though her reason for distress was something else.
"I know you won't let me down, son. Just be careful, okay. The outside world is really dangerous."
Igor nodded solemnly, trying to sooth her distress. "I will, mama. Don't worry!"
The small branch swayed gently, as if comforted by his words.
"But, Igor, are you really not gonna ask me to send her back? You do know that I am capable of that, right? Then, why?" She chuckled softly as if imagining something funny as she continued to say, "Or, are you trying to keep her here for playing with her? Hmm hmm, did my son finally grown up?"
Igor scratched his head out of embarrassment, his inner thoughts exposed. He should have known that he could never hide this from her, his all knowing mother.
"Hehehe, I am sorry for being so selfish Mama. But, I promise I will send her back after a few days. Please grant me this wish."
"I see, I see! That's good at least. It's not good to keep away someone from their family for long. They must be so worried. Just like how I worry about all day long when you go outside to play. You know it right?"
"I know Mama. You're the best mama ever!" He smiled trying to sweet talk her over.
"Haha, my son has really become a sweet talker, I see."
The night deepened, and Igor finally allowed himself to relax. His mother's presence was a comforting weight in his mind, and he knew she was always watching over him. With that thought, he drifted into a light sleep, with a smile on his face.
***
Morning light filtered through the leaves of the Evergreen Tree, casting a gentle glow over the forest. Igor stirred, stretching as he sat up. He felt the familiar connection with the tree, a bond that had been his constant companion since he could remember. He could sense his mother's lingering concern but also her acceptance of his decision.
He stood and made his way to the treehouse, knocking softly on the door. "Olivia? Are you awake?"
There was a muffled sound from inside, followed by the creak of the door opening. Olivia stood there, rubbing her eyes and looking slightly disoriented. "Morning, Igor."
"Good morning," he replied with a smile. "I hope you slept well."
She nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I did, thank you. Your house is amazing. The bed too. It feels... magical." Her face flushed red, remembering the previous night's incident when she sniffed the bed like a intoxicated person. It's as if her female hormones were attracted to it somehow.
Igor chuckled. "Indeed it is. After all, Mam.. I made it by myself." He just about to say mama, but quickly corrected himself.
"So Olivia, did you like the forest?" he asked to make sure, she wasn't uncomfortable staying with him, or if she was missing her home too much?
Olivia smiled revealing her pearly white teeth. "Yes, I like this place very much. But, if you were not there to save me, I might not have chance to enjoy it. Thanks, Igor!" She said, her captivating eyes locking onto his. Olivia's delicate features and sweet red lips captured Igor for a moment, his hand automatically reach to touch her lips.
He touched the upper and lower lip gently as if he was in a trance.
Olivia's flushed red and face turned into a pout as moved away a few moments later.
"What are you doing, pervert?" She said a little angrily.
"Ah, sorry, sorry! Olivia, please forgive me! I just remembered that taste of your lips, and this happened. My hand was out of Control." He said keeping his head low.
Hearing his shameless words, Olivia's redness grew from her face to neck and ears. "He is definitely a brainless hooligan, and a pervert!" She cursed him in her mind.
"As an apology, why don't I show you more of the forest, Olivia?" he offered, looking apologetic.
Only then Olivia's eyes lit up with excitement. "Hmph hmph! Alright then, I forgive you. But you have to do as you said."
Igor nodded. "Great. Let's start with breakfast, and then I'll show you around."
They shared a simple meal of fruits and nuts, gathered from the forest. Although, Igor ate 10 times more what Olivia could eat. His unnatural appetite surprised her a little. She was in doubt, where all those foods gone to? His belly looked the same as usual.
As they ate, Igor explained the various plants and their uses, his enthusiasm infectious. Olivia listened intently, her curiosity growing with each new piece of information.