-Andrew
When we finally said our goodbyes to the professor, it was midday.
Crimzo spoke as he mounted his horse. "Man, I like that guy. You were right Roy, we should visit him more often."
Lauren, adjusting her saddle, nodded. "Absolutely."
After that, we all set off towards Crimzo's house.
"I know this road," said Crimzo as he led us "We have about three hours of riding ahead of us, and we'll get there."
Lauren raised an eyebrow. "That's not far at all."
We rode in silence for a while, admiring the Rainforest we were passing through, it was my first time coming here, and the view was amazing, the trees were so tall, and the vines were hanging from their branches. After a while, we slowed down our horses to let her breathe.
That's when Sophia nudged her horse closer to mine.
"So," she said softly, "the professor… he's the one who raised you both?"
I looked at her, then nodded. "Yes. Roy and I were living in the woods back then. The professor found us, and then he let us live with him."
Sophia was quiet for a moment, her gaze lowering slightly. "What a life you two have lived…"
I chuckled, shaking my head. "Hey, it's already happened. And besides…" I glanced at her, smirking. "Here we are now."
She didn't say anything, just smiled a little.
The road continued, and the sun was beginning to set as the day drew to a close. By the time we reached the outskirts of Crimzo's house, it was almost sunset.
Lauren frowned. "We took more than four hours."
Crimzo grinned. "Pft... It's three hours for me."
I laughed, shaking my head.
In front of us, a large wooden house stood upright among tall trees, with a smelling of burning wood in the air. The area was quiet and isolated, a place where time seemed to slow down.
Before we reached the door, someone came out, a young woman with Crimzo's sharp features, a little taller than him, her arms crossed.
She stared at him, then grinned. "Look who finally showed up."
Before Crimzo could respond, she turned her head and shouted, "Mom! Your favorite son is home!"
The front door opened and out stepped Crimzo's mother, a round woman with brown skin, bright eyes, and with the warmest energy I've ever seen in my life.
She shouted, "Son!" and ran toward him.
She grabbed his face and hugged him so hard he almost choked.
He groaned "Mom, stop, my friends are here," trying to push her away.
She finally let go, looking at all of us. "Oh, so these are the people you talk about in your letters."
"Yes, yes." Crimzo muttered, still trying to regain his composure "Hi mom."
His mother and sister warmly greeted us, then led us inside.
The house was wooden and large, built of thick timber. Inside, the walls were lined with shelves filled with old books, hunting tools, and a few decorations here and there. A fireplace was burning in the corner. The house wasn't fancy, but it was... full of life and comfort.
We sat in the main room, stretching after a long journey. Sophia sat next to me on the couch. Lauren was standing looking at the design of the house, and Roy was standing by the window looking outside.
I smirked at Crimzo, leaning back. "So… you write about us in letters?"
Lauren laughed. "I didn't consider you sentimental, Crimzo."
Sophia was listening and smiling.
Crimzo groaned, rubbing the back of his head. "It's not like that! My mom just… asks about stuff."
His mother, bustling around the kitchen, overheard and grinned. "He talks about you all the time in the letters and don't ask anything! "
I raised an eyebrow. "Hmm?"
Crimzo sighed, leaning back in his chair. "I regret everything."
His mother just laughed. "You all must be hungry. I'll prepare a big dinner for you."
Lauren and Sophia stood up as well. "We can help," Lauren offered.
His mother shook her head firmly. "No, no. You're guests! Sit and rest."
As she moved to start cooking, Roy remained by the window, silent, staring out into the trees. His posture was relaxed, but by knowing him, his mind was not.
Crimzo stood up. "I'm gonna change and get some beds ready for you and Roy."
A moment later, Crimzo's sister walked in, wiping her hands on a cloth. She had his sharp features but was taller—almost Roy height. Her eyes flickered between Sophia and Lauren before she smiled.
"You two can stay in my room. I'll get the beds ready."
Lauren and Sophia nodded. "Thanks, we appreciate it." "Thank you."
Then, she turned to me.
Her gaze lingered for a moment before she smirked. "First time I've met a man taller than me." She tilted her head slightly. "And you look huge. I bet you're strong as hell."
I smirked slightly and leaned forward. "Ohh, Thanks." Then I looked at Roy trying to bring him to the conversation, seeing him like that annoy me. "But if you want to speak about strength? I think you should talk to Roy, he wins that."
Roy glanced at us. "Keep me out of that."
Crimzo's sister shrugged. "Eh, height's not everything after all." Then she turned back to me with a playful grin. "I didn't even introduce myself properly, did I? I'm Rose."
Before I could reply, I felt a stare from Sophia.
Her eyes locked onto me, unreadable. I didn't understand what was happening, but I felt a tingling in my body.
Then, just as quickly, she stood up smiling, turning toward Lauren and Rose. "Let's get the beds ready, I will help you."
Lauren blinked, a little caught off guard, but before Rose could continue talking, Sophia had already taken a step forward. "Come on, let's get it done."
Rose hesitated for a moment, then shrugged. "Sure."
I watched as they walked off, Sophia leading the way like she had never interrupted anything at all.
Crimzo stretched, completely unaware of whatever just happened. "Well. She's in a helpful mood today."
I leaned back in my chair, shaking my head slightly. "Yeah, I guess so."