Dorothy's POV:
Incredible pressure. Eyes piercing me as if they were going through my soul. A silence so profound it could betray a mouse scurrying in another room. Faced with such a hostile atmosphere, all I could do was lower my head, staring at the floor as I sat in a chair.
- You really made quite a scene there, my dear.
The pressure intensified to the point where I felt like I was going to faint. As if my body had turned to stone.
- Not only did you abandon your duties, but you went out at night on your own when all sorts of vermin roam freely around here.
I tried to glance beside me to ask for help, but he completely ignored me, avoiding my gaze.
"Don't abandon me!"
My inner scream echoed in my head. Tears threatened to spill from the corner of my eye. A light tap forced me to turn my head. There I found myself staring into a pair of menacing eyes. As if they were about to devour me, all I could do was shrink back in fear.
- Anything to say in your defense, dear?
- ...
I open my mouth, but the words don't dare to come out. They get stuck in my throat, only letting out dry noises. The fear was palpable in the clumsy sounds.
- I'm sorry, Amelia, I know what she did wasn't right, but I'd like you to hear her side of the story first.
I feel a slight pressure on my head. I look up to meet his gaze.
"He's trembling."
Even the hand he placed on my head was trembling slightly. Although he hadn't overcome his fear, he was trying to comfort me awkwardly.
- Thank you.
Although I hate to think of it this way, I know she'll understand my story. With how sweet she is, she definitely won't kick me out if I explain everything. I sigh slightly before raising my head; her eyes are still just as threatening, but the kind hand on my head gives me the strength to look at her.
- What on earth is this cheesy scene supposed to be? Besides, don't treat me like the villain!
With a sigh, her expression softens as she settles back in her chair. I take a few breaths before beginning to tell her my story.
............
- I see... I understand now.
When I finish, her expression hardens, as if she's looking at something beyond this room. After I finish, I remain silent. Her reaction is hard to read. I'm not sure if she believes me or if she's considering kicking me out of the house. I begin to tremble slightly, awaiting her judgment. Like a thief about to face trial, I simply wait patiently for the verdict.
- Really…
- !
Before I know it, she's standing between me and the wall. Her sudden approach takes me by surprise. I unconsciously close my eyes as if expecting a blow.
- You've been through a lot!
A light but powerful embrace envelops me. Surprise makes me squirm in her arms as she lifts me until my feet can no longer reach the ground.
- Ah! I'm so sorry, my dear. Did your burn hurt? Your arm?
- ...No, I'm perfectly fine.
I return the hug as she slowly lowers me back to the ground. The warmth and scent emanating from her leave me spellbound. Unconsciously, tears begin to fall as I clutch myself tightly.
- ...I'm so sorry...for lying to you...for treating you like strangers...for taking advantage of you...I'm sorry!
I begin to cry. As if everything inside my heart were overflowing.