I Thought I Was A Devil

Lotte Part 2

Standing in front of the bustling market area, I scanned the surroundings with a bag filled with delightful goodies from Japan in my hands. An unsettling realization dawned upon me – I had forgotten to inquire about Lotte’s whereabouts. With a sigh of frustration, I contemplated returning another time to deliver the treats.

Just as I was about to turn away, a sudden commotion emanated from an abandoned alley nearby. Fueled by curiosity, I made my way toward the disturbance. To my surprise, I discovered Lotte amid a peculiar scene, sinking her teeth into the arm of an older boy. The boy struggled to free himself as he hit Lotte’s head multiple times and tried to pull back his arm. Lotte seemed determined; her expressions were mixed with anger.



I stood there watching the scene with pride and disappointment towards my advice. I knew that Lotte was pushed to her limits to behave like that. Yet, her behavior reminded me of myself. I knew I had ended up negatively influencing Lotte, which was the result of such incident unfolding in front of my eyes. I felt a surge of guilt coursing through me. Lotte’s actions mirrored a darker side of myself that I had tried to suppress. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had played a role in pushing her to this point. I realised that it was time to interfere in this drama, being the mature person in this senerio, it was important to give a better example.



Putting my left hand inside my pocket, I approached the alley with a neutral expression, then slowly stroked Lotte’s head. Lotte, who was taken by surprise, loosened her grip, letting go of the boy’s arm; as she looked up, her eyes got watery, noticing my face.



Lotte: Sis…..(her voice started cracking)



Me: It’s enough; let him go. (I said in a calm and soft tone while smiling)



Lotte: B-But….he insulted my mother! (she retorted)



Me: I know…and he has already received enough punishment. So, let him go now, don’t ruin your mental peace for insignificant insects. (I said, smiling at her, then turned towards the boy with a murderous aura giving him a chill through his spine) leave. (The boy stood up and ran away from the spot).



Lotte: (she looks down feeling guilty) I….I am sorry….I…I don’t know what got over me…..he called me a bastard….and said my mother was a bitch….(she chokes) Please don’t hate me. (she bites her lower lip trying to stop her tears)



Me: (I pat her back cheering her up) You did a good job, no one should dare to insult you mother. But Lotte, it is also important to understand the consequences of your actions, you need to learn to control you anger.



Lotte: (she nods slowly) I understand.



Me: (I put the bag of goodies in front of her face) Here you go, I kept my promise, I brought snacks for your mother.



Lotte: (she grabs the bag as her face lit up for a second before getting defensive) T-Thank you…(she pouts while looking embarrased)



Me: So….are you happy? (she nods) will you promise me something? (Lotte stares at me with curiosity) Can you stop playing pranks on people?



Lotte: (Her eyes looks at me in disbelief) W-What do you mean?!



Me: Isn’t our Lotte a good child? (Lotte nods) Good children don’t play pranks on innocent people. (I said stroking her hair)



Lotte: I hate you! (she says slapping my hand away and running towards her house)



I couldn’t suppress a smile as Lotte stormed off, her face a blend of embarrassment and defiance. I decided to follow her, my amusement lingering. Her actions reminded me of an injured stray cat, putting up a hiss-and-scratch defense when you’re attempting to offer help. In reality, that cranky cat yearns for attention and a bit of nourishment to open up. Once they feel safe, they transform into the most endearing companion around. “Cute”, I thought while watching her.

We were near her house when we heard a soft voice and turned around noticing a middle age woman, with dark circles under her eyes. She seemed tired and done for the day but her eyes were filled with kindness.

Sophie: Lotte, who is this? (She gazed at me out of curiosity)

Lotte: Ah….mother….(she hesitates) this is a friend, her name is Anne.

Me: Nice to meet you, Mrs Sophie. (I said while greeting her)

Sophie: (a wide grin spread across her face) ah, so you are Anne, thank you for taking care of Lotte, ever since she met you, her attitude has changed drastically, I am glad that she could find a good friend like you. Please take care of my daughter, her useless mother cannot even give time to her. (She said feeling guilty, as Lotte ran in the house trying to hide her expressions)

Me: (I held Sophie’s hand) Please don’t say that, you are a superhero, who is working two shifts to take care of that kitten’s future, you deserve all love and care. I am sure that Lotte understands your struggles, so don’t blame yourself especially in front of her, or she will feel that she is the reason behind her mother’s suffering. (I smiled faintly)

Sophie: You are right. (She said while stroking my head) You are a good child, may God bless you, please visit again, Lotte will be happy in your company. I am sorry, I need to go now, it’s evening time, customers will come to buy things.

Me: Take care of your health. (I said before I was about to leave when I heard the sound of camera flashing and turned back, but no one was there)

It felt creepy as if a pair of eyes were watching me, but I couldn’t make out from which direction this sensation was coming. Shaking off the uncomfortable feeling, I started motioning towards the rental house. I was nearing the restaurant when I heard few familiar voices and halted.

Karl’s voice: YOU COULDN’T EVEN DO A SIMPLE JOB?! ALL YOU NEEDED TO DO IS GET HER EXPELLED! (He screamed at the top of his voice)

Christina’s voice: I am sorry….(she said meekly while crying)

Karl’s Voice: shut up! You are useless! Go away! (He said in disgust)

Voice: (it seemed like their mother’s voice) Christina, I cannot believe that I am raising a worthless daughter, you are making my son get agitated, I think I am being too lenient towards you.

Christina’s voice: I am really sorry…..(She said pleading)

I felt that it was better to leave before someone finds me eavesdropping, but this situation kept on ringing in my head.




To be continued....