I couldn't sleep. I couldn't despite everything I tried. I knew it was because I had no idea if Ivy was safe or not. I got up and put a jacket on and snuck out of the house. I made my way to the Walker's house. I walked by Ivy's window and sat on the porch. I sat there for a few Minutes without anything happening. The door opened and Ivy walked out and made her way to me. She sat down next to me.
"The elders are going to have an inquiry tomorrow. Each member of the village is to be questioned in the meeting
hall."She opened the conversation
"To see how the border was breached?"I asked though I already knew the answer
"Yes."She replied. I then realised how cold it was outside. She shouldn't be outside.
" It is cold outside. You ought to go in. "I tell her knowing she wouldn't listen
"Why are you on this porch? "She asked changing the subject
"It is not safe."I lie knowing she could probably detect lie.
"There are other porches."She calls me out" Do you find me too much of a tomboy? I do long to do boy things. Like that game the
boys play at the stump. They put their backs to the woods, and see how long they can wait before getting scared.
That's so exciting. I understand you hold the record. It will never be broken, they say."She rambles on and on I'm surprised she hadn't passed out
"It's just children's games."I say
"How is it you are brave when all the rest of us shake in our boots?"She asks me looking at me
"I do not worry about what will happen, only what needs to be done. How did you know I was here?"I ask genuinely confused
"I saw you out the window."She says and I look at her confused"No... I won't tell you your colour. Stop asking."The funny thing is I have never asked."When we are married, will you dance with me? I find dancing very agreeable."She says after a bit of silence. I was stunned she had just proposed marriage or rather said it as if it was inevitable"Why can you not say what is in your head?"She asks she almost say as if she was upset.
"Why can you not stop saying what is in yours? Why must you lead, when I want to lead? If I want to dance, I
will ask you to dance. If I want to speak, I will open my mouth and speak. Everyone is forever plaguing me to speak
further. Why? What... good is it to tell you you are in my every thought from the time I wake? What good can come
from my saying I- I sometimes cannot think clearly, or- or do my work properly? What gain can rise from my telling
you... the only time I feel fear as others do, is when I think of you in harm? That is why I am on this porch, Ivy
Walker. I fear for your safety above all others. And yes... I will dance with you on our wedding night."I say all of the frustrations from the years were out in the span of 30 seconds. I caressed her cheek. I leaned into to kiss her. She kissed me back. The best thing is. We were engaged. She would be my wife.