She quickly agreed. "Can we go meet my mother?" she asked.
I was terrified to travel on the elephant, but I had no choice because she was waiting for my response. “Of course.” I panicked.
She detected my fear in my eyes and voice. "He is my friend. "He will not harm you," she said abruptly.
I looked at her for a moment before slowly shaking my head. We quickly climbed up, and the elephant started walking. I was overjoyed as he approached Mercy's house. This was my first trip on an elephant, and I realized that every new experience is a rebirth.
“What do you think?" Her soft tone interrupted my thoughts.
"I'm happy. This will be an unforgettable day. I met you, got a new friend, and travelled over him. "A lot happened today, but..." I choked out.
"What's that?" She asked softly.
"I forgot everything just because I was with you." I patted my forehead.
"You want to find someone. "I'll help you." Her voice was friendly.
Her words brought me comfort. She has lived in the forest since she was a child. She is familiar with the entire place. I trust her.
The Terrific Night
“Look there," she said cheerfully.
When we got down, I noticed a cute little wooden house. Mercy beckoned, and the elephant moved on. I left my coat in the car, so it was difficult for me to stand in the cold air. Despite the fact that she was not wearing a top coat, she appeared casual. How can I ask her for thick clothing to cover me? I blinked. "Is this your residence?" I interrupted the silence. Is it possible for two women to remain in the dark forest? I grumbled. It seemed like I was speaking to myself.
"Yes. "Let us go in," she replied.
I silently followed her. I will not allow Mercy to live in this forest anymore. I swore to myself.
Before the silence startled me, I marveled at the house's many handmade wooden items. I looked around and turned to face Mercy, but she was not there. "Where are you, Mercy?" My voice quivered. I walked slowly because I was unfamiliar with the house. My hands were cold, my legs trembled, and I felt thirsty. As she did not respond, I prepared to call her again. "Mercy!" Suddenly, someone closed my eyes from behind. I recognized Mercy and attempted to take her hands, but she refused. She drags me along with her. "Where do we go?" I asked as I struggled to walk.
“This is the room I grew up in all these years.” There was a little excitement in her voice.
I eagerly pulled her hands to see the beauty of her room which was nicely decorated with some wooden items and varieties of fruits. Some birds and rabbits roamed freely throughout the room. I remembered my room for a short moment. I would not have considered keeping my room as perfect, but also I will not allow anyone to clear it.
My mother learned to make these crafts while she was in an orphanage. She taught, and I handled everything. "What do you think?" She asked me. Her eyes were bright with genuine interest now.
“Perfect, beautiful, just like you. You are extremely talented, but your abilities are locked in this forest. Why don't you come out?" I shrugged and frowned impatiently at her.
“Don't speak aloud. Mom is not here. I am not sure what will happen if she hears this.”I hated how scared she was.“Mother not only taught me English and the arts, but she also told me not to leave this forest." She stared out one of the windows.
“What are you doing here?" I asked her rightfully.
"What's in there? I don't feel like going out. I can get everything I need right here.” She responded in a grim tone.
The distant rumble of thunder chased the wind and moved closer. The forest has a higher decibel level. I hope the earth receives a heavy rain. The rabbits were startled by a tremendous thunderclap, and lightning flashes illuminated the room. Because of the strong wind, the animal skins covering the windows shifted to one side. The heavy rain was clearly visible. Mercy dashed to the window, tying the animal skins so they didn't swing. "Where's you, Mom? How could she possibly have come in this storm? I inquired, concerned.
This happens every year. She'll come in the morning. We have a lot of friends in this forest, so don't worry about her." She muttered.
The thunder roared, but I couldn't see the lightning through the thick animal screen. She drew a cot from a corner, positioned it in the center of the room, and covered it with soft skin. "You can sleep now." She smiled.
"Stay here." I said, directing her attention back to me.
She suppressed a smile. Everything appears absurd to me. I slept in my room on my bed until yesterday, but today I'll be sleeping in Mercy's room in the dark forest with rabbits and birds. “I'm going to sleep in my mom's room. Have a rest.” she replied.
A breeze blew through the window, making me shiver. I lay quietly as soon as she left the room. I wished I could sleep, but the storm's noise and roaring thunder had kept me awake despite my exhaustion from the journey. I thought of Mercy's mother. What will she do if I admit my feelings for Mercy? How will she respond? Several thoughts are racing through my head. I fidgeted. I am not sure when I slept.
I did not notice the beautiful dawn because the cold overwhelmed my briskness. "Kevin," Mercy's gentle voice interrupted my little dream. When I opened my dizzy eyes, I saw Mercy kneeling beside me, smiling enchantingly. I grabbed her hand, moved her palm to rest against my cheek, and fell asleep again.
Thunder roared again, waking me up. I grimaced at the constant rain and realized I needed some extra blankets. I opened my eyes to find Mercy beside me. She had been sitting in the same spot since I caught her hand. She observed my sleep calmly. I made her sit near me for over an hour. I forced myself to sit and looked into her eyes.I did not expect to see a forest girl blush. She was more than just a forest girl; she knew everything.
I struggled to find the perfect words to express my love. My hands touched her face and lifted up, to see her shy smile. I found my fairy in this forest. She looks stunning when she smiles. I brushed her soft cheeks and pulled her closer to my face. When a rabbit jumped into our path, we both jerked back in different directions.
She laughed. "You're scared." She lifted the rabbit and set it down.
"I'm not." I responded immediately, grabbing her wrist and pulling her to my chest. She wriggled as we heard the horse's sound.
"Mom arrived." She exclaimed and dashed outside. I changed my attire to meet her mother. Her mother jumped from a brown horse, dressed in animal skins, and became soaked. She is lean and tall, with grey hair and a fair complexion, just like Mercy. “Are you okay?" Mercy embraced her cheerfully.
"Yes, my dear." She hugged her and blew her a kiss. I walked slowly toward them. She pushed Mercy back angrily when she saw me. "Who is he?" "Why did you bring him here?" She frowned, as if puzzled.
She was unable to raise her voice above a whisper. "Mother, I rescued him from a bear attack, and he was injured while defending himself." She struggled to explain.
"Send him back tomorrow morning." She raised her brow, stared at me for a few seconds, and then stomped into her room, crossing me in three long steps.I touched Mercy's shoulder, and she turned towards me. When she saw my face, her eyes blurred and tears streamed down her cheeks. My heart aches, and seeing her tears makes me angry. I hugged her. "Kevin, you need to go. I do not know when I will see you again." She whispered, and her voice grew husky.
"I can't go without you. I hugged. "Mercy, you're mine." I growled, staring directly at her. She cried silently. I kissed the top of her head.
"I wanted to show you something." She pulled me into her room.
