The Random Strangers

19

In the village Narkissa.

Gael was filled with enjoyment as he has never experienced such things and he could finally put his Achilles to good use. He was also very glad he made such good friends with them. He then ran over to his house seeing Doctor McLee and Lara inside. He was shocked to see why they came home. And then as soon as Gael entered he asked, "Doctor? And Miss Lara? W-What are you guys doing here?"

"Ah! Here he is! Speak of the devil!" said the Doctor as he smiled.

Gael then saw some bags kept aside by Doctor and Lara. He then realized that they were his bags. But why does Doctor McLee have it? And why is it packed?

"W-what's happening? Why are my bags down here?" puzzled Gael.

Doctor cleared his throat and requested, "Gael, do you mind if we both talk for a while outside? Lara will handle things here."

Gael was surprised at what he just said and yet without any hesitation, he said, "Yeah alright no probs!"

Doctor McLee looked at Lara and the family indicating that Lara shouldn't mess up things here as he was walking towards the yard outside.

Doctor then sat beside a tree and with a big sigh said, "This view is just beautiful! I envy you for having such great scenery beside your house."

"What is going on? My bags? Why did you come to my house all of a sudden? And why'd you say Lara to handle things there? What is happening?" questioned Gael as he was confused.

Doctor gave him a big smile and said, "Isn't it obvious? You're going with them!"

"Huh? 'Them'? Who do you mean 'them'?" dumbfounded Gael.

"Those people you were talking to up in the forest, silly! I was glad you made friends like that. You were very happy. And I felt very good seeing you like that Gael. I am truly glad."

"What the hell? I didn't even say anything! And you just packed my stuff? Without even telling me?" shouted Gael as he was surprised to hear that.

"What? You don't like them?"

"No! It's just that... I don't know..."

Doctor patted Gael's shoulder and said, "Gael, I know you very well. You don't tell me anything, but your expressions are the only thing I need to understand. I have never seen you very happy ever before as you were with them. So don't you want to go with them? Or...did they reject you?"

Gael looked down and said, "No, They asked me to join them... But I ran away. And I have made my decision, I won't join them. I can't just leave my family and my village here."

"Again, your expressions say otherwise, Gael. But it's your decision, I am just a helping hand here. I thought you might take it. And if you care about your family that hits you every day, don't call you or treat you as a child, I am speechless on what more I should say."

"They won't let me Doc. They never will..."

"And that is exactly why I left Lara to handle things over there. And as much as I know her, she will surely handle it. Or so I hope she does..."

"Tell her to stop. I am not leaving with them."

"Hmm? You don't want to join them? And here I thought you were eager to join them, I thought you would finally be happy. Also, I know one of them very well, his name is Eunara. He has helped our village once we were out of medicinal plants and products. I trust them as they are good and I see no harm." said Doctor.

"Eunara? Do you know him? Then... who else do you know?" asked Gael.

"The last time he came, he also came with the girl. Uh if I remember correctly, her name was... uh... Lalia something..."