It's been a week since my outburst toward Kaija. I was released that same day. I had no idea what to do, or where to go. I sat around the palace, feeling lost, for hours after I was let out of the room.
Elias found me sitting in one of the many gardens. He told me Kaija had spoken with him, and they thought it might be a good idea for me to come live with them. He said they had already moved out of the palace. They had a house and enough land to grow their own crops. I stared at him, unsure of what to say. He told me he'd leave me to think on it.
I was sitting in that same spot, hours later, when Kaija came to me. She asked how I was, if I was feeling all right, and if I had eaten. I shook my head at the last question. No, I hadn't. Kaija grabbed me by the elbow and pulled me to my feet.
"Let's go home, then, and get a warm meal in you," she said, as if me going to her home was the most natural thing in the world. So, I did. And then I simply didn't leave.
Every night since, Elias, Kaija, and I have had our evening meal together. It's awkward for me. They act like it's so easy, this being-together thing. They act like small conversations and kind words are normal. Have they really had this experience all their lives? Is this how most people live? How they treat each other? I am still confused over all of this, but I am starting to think it might be a good thing.