Evergreen

Punishment

A and T quickly got up from the table and blew out the candles, but kept one. Then N's eyes suddenly went dark. She stood up cautiously.

"At least we don't let them see the foods." said A quietly.

Then he headed for the door in the twilight. There was another knock on the door. And A was standing right in front of the door.

"What kind of fool is this who just knocks on the door without opening it?" said T in a whisper.

N was just watching them anxiously.

"Who is this?" A finally spoke.

They waited for the answer. But no voice answered. Suddenly they saw the doorknob moving. All three looked there carefully and the door opened.

"Why are you scared, guys? It's me." said B, standing in the doorway and smiling mockingly.

"Oh, you fool! You scared us!" said A nervously.

T and N took a deep breath.

"Why don't you take me in?" said B proudly.

"You did it on purpose, right?" asked A, and added, "You know you shouldn't knock on the door. Did you do that to scare us B?"

"Of course!" said B, and went inside, "Oh sorry. I guess I have kept away you from the table..." he said sarcastically.

"Tell me, where did you find these nasty, bitter plants? I don't believe they can eat them themselves. Tell me, where did you collect it?" said T angrily.

"Where could I collect it? It was theirs. I swear." said B seriously, "It was placed next to the dishes."

"But I bet you knew they taste bad." said A.

"Of course I did." said B, and laughed, "Oh N, sorry. I haven't seen you." he turned to N, "I hope at least you liked the soup." he said bending down and looking at the plates on the table.

"Yeah. It wasn't bad." said N.

"Why are you sitting in the dark? Why don't you light all the candles?" said B sarcastically.

"B! Now I'll tell you why!.."

T wanted to cling to his collar, but A stopped him.

"Excuse me N, but this guy is such a scoundrel that he should take his revenge somehow." said T to N.

"Yes, I had to take my revenge. If you didn't give me food, of course I would." said B seriously, "I put myself at such a risk to go and steal food, but you don't give me a single bite. And then, I go and need those tasteless breads as usual. It was unfair, you understand?"

"Actually, he is right. You should at least offer him some." said N.

"Thanks N." said B, "Sorry for those bitter vegetables. I meant to make fun of these two idiots, not you."

"Well, B." said A, "But don't forget something, N doesn't know that you bet on yourself."

"I didn't bet, you did." he said quickly.

"What's the matter? You'd thought of bringing food. Wasn't it you who said, "If N can actually come here, I'll bring you some of their food with my own hands"?" said A, and imitated him.

"He's right." T confirmed.

B didn't say anything.

At that moment, the "Monitum" rang. Everyone left the room.

"What about these plates?" asked N.

"We'll come back and collect them after the work is done." A said.