King of Hearts

32.

"... and the Calendula also works for menstrual cramps," Dánica explains with a serious teacher-face. They have been talking about flowers and plants for ten minutes and they have been walking for twice as many. Val doesn't have the heart to tell Dánica that she has absolutely no knowledge or interest in plants. Her eyes have been glimmering eagerly during her whole speech, but Val really just wants her to quit it. "That's good to know," Val briefly interrupts. "But how long is the way to the Black Lake?", she sighs. Val has never been a fan of long trips, and the burning hot sun isn't helping. "We're almost there," Dánica repeats the same answer as before. She plucks the flower and hides it in her basket.

The Black Lake is situated outside of the city, in the Patchwork Forest. The forest is called like that because the variety of trees and bushes that once looked from above depict a unique pattern. Val wonders how someone has come to see the forest from above. The Black Lake is a small water spot, and the name derives from dark and spooky legends based on it. There are scary and dangerous water creatures haunting it, forest demons coming after people, poisonous insects the size of a child. The usual, or so Dánica told. She, however, doesn't believe these stories not one bit. She thinks that they are made up to scare overly curious children off.

"And you're sure you've never seen anything weird out there? In such a big city leave many people and no one dares get near the lake. Don't you think it's a little strange?" Val questions. Val comes from a small town, which is full of superstitious people, so she's already used to these sorts of stories. But it's weird when a whole city believes in that stuff. "I have never witnessed anything out of ordinary. And it happens occasionally, that hikers, travelers, or fishers walk by the lake. Although it doesn't occur often, I'm not the only person in Senfira to come near the Black Lake ", Dánica responds indifferently before getting distracted. "Oh, look what we got here," she points at a bush of purple and white flowers. "Do you know what they're called?" she asks Val smiling mischievously, as though making fun of Val's ignorance.
Val scratches her head. She's definitely seen these flowers before. Maybe ... no, she gives up.
"No idea," Val replies briefly.
"It's a Marsh Mallow," Dánica exclaims as if it were the most obvious thing on earth. Val has marshmallows different in memory. 

"Alright, we only need to find the Rosemary, but you know what a Rosemary looks like, right?" Dánica asks raising an eyebrow, putting on that teacher-look again. Val gulps, "Of course, I do." That doesn't sound very convincing.

Finally, Val can make out the form of the lake in the distance. She can't wait to jump into the freshwater. Val imagined the Black Lake to be surrounded by a dark atmosphere, but it looks incredibly peaceful and idyllic. There is a cherry blossom tree (or so she assumes) on one side and petals flow on the surface of the calm water. There are trees and bushes everywhere, no one would see them, just like the girls wouldn't see unwanted visitors either. But Val shakes off the unfitting feeling of unease that has lied upon her during the whole trip. The water is clear, and it doesn't seem to be that deep, they would definitely come to a stand. 

The girls get undressed and jump into the water, enjoying the tranquility of the forest. Val has always been fond of forests. They are equally dangerous and secure, both dark and bright, and just magically beautiful. Although, this forest is particularly magical. She has seen trees and plants she's sure don't exist in her world. The lovely amber sunlight peeks through the trees and transforms the water into a slight orange. The gentle wind that caresses her hair is warm and soothing. This place feels so alive as though every bush, every rock, and every leaf is silently watching them. Even that adorable cat standing next to a tree radiates peaceful energy. 

Hold on. It's that black and white cat again. What's it doing here, and why is it staring directly at her? 

Dánica breaks the silence and makes Val forget about the cat. "You haven't told me your story yet. About your passions, ideas, and goals." Val is taken by surprise. Her mind has been so busy the last few days, that she almost forgot where she comes from, and what awaits her once she's home.

"I am pretty much like you. I have my dreams and passion, but I'm too afraid to hurt others with it ", Val slowly starts to open up. When she sees Dánica dedicating her whole attention to her words, Val continues. "I want to become an artist. But even if I don't, I want to at least do something with it. It's the only talent I have, the only thing that really motivates me, that makes me feel like me. A career involving art is an achievement for me. But unfortunately, my parents don't agree. My father is a doctor, and my parents want me to follow in his steps because they don't see a future in my passion. So, I'm stuck in the middle. Just like you are." 

Talking about her parents makes Val realize how much she misses them. The last fight she had with her mother still rings in her ears. She wants to go home and apologize for everything. Not just the fight, but the fighting throughout the years. The broken relationship with her father hurts even more now that they're distanced. Guilt and homesickness form into tears that want to break free, but Val prefers to save them up.

"You know, a wise girl once said, paint your life the way you want it, and don't ever make decisions based on other's wishes," Dánica smiles encouragingly. Val can't help but grin. "I just realized, it's easier said than done."

"It's true though. I think we both should stop overthinking and start doing what we want. As you said, it's your life and you should decide what's best for you. Do you see a future in it?" she then asks.

Val wishes to answer honestly, but at this point, she doesn't know what honesty is anymore. She has lied to herself too many times, that she doesn't even know what she actually wants. Val has changed her mind so often, that she's become unsure of who's she's going to hurt. She is deeply frustrated.

"I don't know," she eventually answers truthfully. "Deep down, you know it. It just needs time to reach the surface. Just give yourself time and always be yourself. That way, you'll always be sure of what you want," Dánica smiles, but the sudden rustling in between the bushes makes it disappear right away. Both of them snap their heads towards the noise. 

Dánica and Val talk to each other via eye contact, equally alerted. Val would've thought it was just that strange cat, but it is still standing under the tree, licking its paw.
"It might have been just a squirrel, they like to prank people," Val whispers not sounding convincing at all. Dánica nods, watching the bushes as if something might jump out of it at any moment. There it is again, the rustling, just sharper and more aggressive than before.

 "I think we should slowly start packing our stuff", Dánica suggests, failing at hiding her insecurity. Val nods hastily in response. It's nonsense to fear the rustling of a bush, but the air is now filled with a wary atmosphere Val can't explain. A strange feeling that indicates something is wrong.

Their dresses are still lying on the lakeside, like their shoes and Dánica's basket. Even in the forest at the lake, the temperature is at its highest. Val could swear it has gotten drastically hotter in only a few seconds. The girls get dry as they are putting on their clothes. 

Val is just slipping in her new pair of boots when a dark shadow freezes her. It's too far away but it's there. Right in front of them. Staring at them. At first, she thought it was just her imagination, but after blinking a few times and doing a reality-check, Val discovers the shadow is still there. "Dánica," Val whispers in a shaky voice, unable to believe her sight. The creature is about the size of her, and it has long ears pointing upwards, or are they horns? It's all pitch black, and the contour of the figure undulates like it's made of smoke. Oh god, there is another one on its right, slightly nearer to the girls. How many of them are there?

Dánica at first faces Val and when she notices her fixed look she turns to see where Val's eyes are directed. When she sees them too, her fearfully frosty eyes face the panicked flaming ones of Val. She only whispers, "Run."