Dorothy's POV:
*Zummmm*
A surprisingly strong breeze hits my face as I gaze at the forest before me. My hair dances in its rhythm as I flick it away with my hand to keep it from getting into my mouth.
- Dorothy, time to eat!
- Coming!
My legs, which had been dangling languidly along the wooden fence, land perfectly on the ground. I try to steady myself so I don't fall, which proves a bit more difficult than I expected.
"It's a shame to have to climb down the fence after all the trouble I went through to get up there."
I glance at the fence, which is taller than me, with a touch of apprehension before turning and heading towards the house. Surrounded by a beautiful, crystal-clear lake, a house made entirely of wood sits on a small island in the middle of the water. Enclosed by a couple of boats, the house has a small dirt path and a similarly wooden bridge connecting it to the outside of the lake. I take in the house, impressed by the overall beauty of the scene.
- It never ceases to amaze me every time I see it.
I've been with them for about two weeks now. The middle-aged couple greets me in the kitchen. There's a table with exactly three chairs, one of them custom-made for me.
- Is something wrong, Dorothy?
Noticing my gaze, the man turns to look at me.
- No… I'm just impressed by how well-made the chair is.
A bright smile greets my comment. He gently moves his chair toward me and slowly strokes my head.
- You have no idea how happy this old carpenter is that you like it.
He smiles at me as he increases the speed of his strokes. A few whimpers escape my throat as I try to stop him. By the time I manage to stop him, my hair is a complete mess. The man grins from ear to ear before abruptly lowering his head.
*Whack*
- Ouch!
His wife, standing behind him, glares at him disdainfully after hitting him.
- You should be more careful with girls' hair!
- Sorry, I just couldn't resist.
- Don't apologize to me!
*Whack*
Another blow to his back elicits a groan from his throat. He immediately turns to me to apologize, rubbing the spot where he was hit.
"They look like a comedy duo."
I look away as the man continues apologizing to the woman. I don't even need to see the rest to guess what will happen. Next, he'll sweep her into his arms and plant a huge kiss on her mouth or cheek.
- Kyaa!
"I knew it!"
*smack*
It looks like he went for her mouth this time. Even though I'm not watching, I can almost guess what will happen next. She'll probably kick a little in his arms before snuggling her head against his chest. As if to coincide with my thoughts, the sound of struggling suddenly stops. Knowing what's coming next, I can't help but sigh heavily.
"Here comes the worst part."
*smooch*
*smooch*
*smooch*
*smooch*
"Here comes the kiss storm."
Struggling noises are heard between the kisses as they become longer and more intense. Their heavy, awkward breaths fill the room in seconds as I look away.
"I remember Lira mentioning something like this before..."
"- When a couple gets really intense, the atmosphere changes immediately. If you want your life to be idyllic with your future master, it's vital that you learn to create and take advantage of these atmospheres."
My teacher's words fill my head as I try to distance myself from reality as much as possible. Thanks to them, I had begun to understand my teacher's teachings, but...
"I can't believe how annoying and awkward it is to be a spectator!"
- Ah!
As if waking from a trance, the wife suddenly raises her voice, halting the storm of kisses that was unfolding behind me. The scuffling resumes as they exchange small comments while I do my best to blend into the air.
- Dorothy! You're sure you're hungry, aren't you? Don't worry, I'll have it on the table in a jiffy.
With those words, the woman dashes off to the kitchen as if fleeing from something. Finally feeling that it was all over, I turn my gaze back to where the couple had been standing a moment ago. There stands the middle-aged husband, a vacant stare on his face.
- Don't use me to flirt, you stupid lovebirds.
Annoyed, I look away again.