21. Weeks.
Malon sat in the grass twisting a piece of straw in her hands, when a silhouetted shadow fell over in front of her.
"Boredom is a fool's quality," said a familiar voice from behind her.
"Hullo," she replied dangerously without turning around. He sat down next to her, resting his elbows on his knees, and they sat in uncomfortable company for a while.
"Y'know," began Sheik after studying her for a moment. "You should smile a little more often." In a flare of temper, Malon stood up in a hurry and began to walk away from him. He furrowed his brow in determination before jumping up and jogging after her.
"It's been a while." He said evenly, as she kept on stomping away. "You're not happy to see me?"
With a big swish of her skirts, she whipped around in front of him. She had a menacing look on her face.
"It has been weeks! Next time your gone this long don't bother coming back."
As she stormed off again Sheik stood rooted to his spot, a little bit shocked, very uneasy, and wondering whether or not she really meant it. Because what if he didn't have a choice but stay away as long next time?
She had rounded the corner of the cattle shed by the time he had made up his mind. Malon really was something else. Hot-headed, but worth it. He jogged after her again, but this time didn't give her time to sneak away from him.