"Sometimes, you just have to accept yourself, for what you have come to be."

Chelsy's P O V

Teacher came to treat my bruise.

But, he said that I shouldn't move around too much and rest as much as possible.

I thank Teacher, before he had the chance to leave.

He went back to pat my head and gave me a warm smile.

"Don't worry, he'll come. For now, just rest."

He?

And Teacher finally left.

Who will come..?

My palms starts to sweat and my heartbeat started to fasten.

I really hope, I don't explode any time soon.

M-maybe, I can run away!

My mind is set and clear yet my body refuses to cooperate at all. In fact, it's quite against it!

The bruise would cry out whenever I make the slightest movement.

B-But, I just can't let him see me again, can I? I wouldn't want to burden him more.

It is for the best to leave him be and stay out of sight.

I can lock the door!

But.. I'm really helpless right now.

What to do...?

W-why.. do I care..? I..

I have no idea.

In a blink of an eye, I was calling out.. 'be careful.'

And suddenly I found myself constantly worrying about his safety.

Even with my eyes closed, I could picture all the dangers he'd be engaged in.

We know nothing about each other.

But.. I'am aware of his antics.

Which gave way to...

This side of me..

Once more.

Waaah.. my bruise is starting ache..

Maybe.. this is what I get for burdening him.

I'll try..

To leave him be for good this time.

I-I'll give it my all!

I struggle to shift my position in a way that my bruise won't harshfully respond.

Teacher was right. There's nothing else to do in this kind of situation but to simply rest.

I just hope.. that he abandons the idea of coming.. if the thought ever comes to him.

I really hope.

Please... don't worry yourself with me..

Please...

Almost instantly, I found myself drifting to sleep with my worries temporarily set aside.

I grew up with a frail mama and a busy papa.

It was then, that I knew how to cook and care for myself and tend to my mom's every need. On the other hand, Papa is a hunter.

He supplies us food, but he almost never has a time allotted for us. So, it was I who is left with all the chores that needed to be done.

But, it was fun.

Mama would usually compliment my dishes, in which she comments that she would never have made a dish as good as mine.

After eating, I usually chat with her for hours about the weather, food and anything that might come to mind.

It was those days, that I wish never has an end.

But, mom grew weaker each passing day. Until, one day.. she just stops responding to anything I say.. and the warmth that engulfs her was all gone.

I cried for days. I huddled up in my bedroom, refusing to take a step out of my room.

Papa would visit me in my room every now and then. He would constantly remind me of how life is.

He would hunt even more, just so I could have an appetite.

So, I decided to slowly regain back my usual self.

In which, I successfully did. Thanks to Papa.

I started going out more and started doing chores like I usually do.

I always visit grandma whenever mama's napping. And after a few weeks of staying in my room, I didn't have the chance to visit grandma anymore.

So, I tried my best to check up on grandma like I used to and I was relieved to find that she was still fine.

I spent a lot of my time with grandma since papa is still always out.

And my loneliness is slowly starting to leave me be..

Until that one fateful day...

It just your typical ordinary day. I went and picked flowers for grandma when a man approached me...

He asked if I knew anyone who are able to make medicine.

In fact, grandma makes herbal medicine all the time. She even taught me some of the procedures.

So, I nodded at his statement. And in return, he flashed a grateful smile.

And then.. he held onto my hands.

It was.. new to me. Something... I'd wish papa would do.

And then, we quietly went to grandma's.

Upon entering, he excused himself and politely asked for some medicine. Then, grandma immediately went on and told me to fetch some medicine for the man.

And I did...

When I came back...

It was red... all over...

Grandma was red...

The man was red...

His eyes are red...

He stared at me for awhile.. and just started walking up to me with a menacing smile unlike any other..

Even if I wanted to run, I stood frozen in place.

I couldn't move an inch.

I closed my eyes and waited.

Just then.. the door slammed open and revealed papa...

And he charged at the man...

Red... it was all red.

I-It was my fault that everything is red..

So red...

I made everything...

Red...

No...

N-Noooo!

My eyes snap back open as I instantly sat upright and heave heavy breaths..

I-It was all a dream..

...Huh?

I just notice that I'm not entirely alone. There was a looming figure beside me.

He was resting on his arms on the side of my bed. And I can also hear his faint snoring.

In which, I found incredibly silly that I giggle quite a bit and disturb his sleep..

"Mhmm..Ah?" he looks up with such a dazed expression that I couldn't help but feel guilty about disturbing his peaceful sleep.

"U-um..you'll get cold down there..I-I could get you some blankets, i-if you'd like..."

"...Can I sleep beside you...?"

S-sleep b-beside m-me!?

"U-u-umm.."

Before I could even respond.. he stood up and plopped down on the bed.

O-oh m-my..

W-what d-do I d-do...

I-I can hear his breathing...

I-I have made him sleep on the floor for such a long time..

I still became a burden in my sleep...

"I-I'm s-sorry.."

In a blink of an eye, all I felt was warmth.

His arms were all around me, as my head rests near his chin.

I-It was quite calming... and at the same time..

My mind was at a complete loss...

After a few minutes of intense confusion and being unable to process the whole situation, my weariness eventually took over and I gave in.

It is too late for me to just ignore your actions and involve myself in your business, such as this.

I care, Joshua.

I really do.