finding wanda: a tale of discovery and trust

game room and pizza

It was a warm sunning , I found myself enveloped in a sense of completeness. Despite the fact that Wanda and I were on the run, I felt content and at peace.

As the songs of nearby birds filled the air, I found myself distracted away by the captivating music. Catching sight of Wanda a few meters ahead, as i wandered a bit behind,I hurriedly made my way towards her, asking once again with a mix of curiosity and frustration: "Where exactly are we heading?", my voice tinged with a hint of desperation.

As we made our way through the streets, Wanda chuckled at my curiosity, but she didn't offer any answers as she continued walking. The streets were a mix of a village vibe, each lined with small shops and houses. After walking for several hours, we arrived at a small village. The cobblestone streets were lined with colorful houses and quaint shops, creating a cozy atmosphere in the open field. The setting sun cast a warm glow over the area, making it look almost magical.

"Where are we?" I asked, my curiosity piqued once again. Wanda chuckled, clearly amused by my eagerness. "Let's just say, sweetheart, you're gonna love it here," she replied, the mystery in her words adding to the excitement.

My eyes scanned the surroundings as we passed through the small yet cozy village. A charming small businesses lined the streets, and one in particular caught my attention: a game hall.

Memories flooded my mind as I stared at the building. My mother and I had visited places like this many times before, despite her constant complaints about saving money. Somehow, I always found a way to convince her to go in. A sad smile tugged at my lips as I realized how our relationship had changed since then.

Wanda's voice pulled me from my thoughts, and I turned to find her chuckling beside me. "You want me to go in there?," she asked to which I nodded, stepping forward without waiting for her answer.

Looking at the colorful building with a mixture of excitement and nostalgia, I felt a sense of familiarity as I took Wanda's hand. Together, we stepped inside, instantly enveloped by the cheerful sounds of people laughing and enjoying their games. The air was filled with the rhythmic clacking of air hockey pucks and the occasional sound of bowling balls hitting pins.

The faint melody of arcade machines echoed through the air, transporting me back to better days. I couldn't help but smile as I looked around, taking in the atmosphere and the joyful ambiance.

I couldn’t help but chuckle as I saw Wanda’s face. A small smirk appeared on her face and she shook her head in response. "You sure do know how to have fun, don't you?" she teased, following me over to one of the arcade games.

Leaving her to play for a while, my mind slowly drifted back to old memories again, as I slowly made my way over to a basket ball game.

Memories came in as i started to remember the times I spent with my mother. We used to have a great bond, full of love and joy. We would go on vacations together, play games, and have fun family nights.... But now, all those memories feel so far away. As I watched the boys play around, joking and laughing, I couldn't help but feel a deep loneliness inside me. I felt out of place in my own family, like I didn't belong anymore.

As I was lost in my thoughts, I suddenly heard Wanda's voice calling out my name. I turned around and found her standing there, holding a koala bear on her neck and being silly to cheer me up. It was clear that she had heard my thoughts, and her smile indicated her intention to win the bear for me. "What do you think?," she asked, her joy showing as she handed the bear to me.

I had to hold in a laugh. The so called wicked and powerful witch, was playing with a stuffed animal.

Looking at the stuffed animal, I felt an overwhelming sense of happiness. Wanda's thoughtfulness never failed to warm my heart, even in the simplest gestures. This act felt more meaningful than she could ever have imagined. Unlike my mother, who seemed to have lost touch with these small moments, Wanda understood the depth of such gestures.

She pulled me closer and wrapped her arm around me, kissing my head gently. "Thank you," I murmured as I leaned into her embrace. Wanda smiled and guided me towards the door. "Alright, sweet girl, we should keep going," she said softly.

As we approached the house Wanda claimed to once belonged to a old friend, a strange shiver ran through my body, as if a cold hand had just touched my spine. Feeling a bit uneasy, I looked to Wanda for reassurance.

"Don't tell me you're afraid of ghosts," she joked, a smile on her face. I shook my head, trying to dismiss the strange feeling and play along with her lighthearted banter.
"Of course not," I laughed with a playful tone. Despite my brave facade, I couldn't shake off the sense of unease that lingered in the air.

The atmosphere inside was quiet and still and I slowly glided with my fingers over the table. The colors of the furniture were light brown, blending with the gray tones of the surroundings, giving the impression that they were originally meant for outdoor use.

As my fingers brushed against the tabletop, a layer of dust quickly revealed itself. The creaking door made high-pitched beeps, adding to the silence that was in the space. Wanda's voice suddenly sounded behind me, her words breaking the silence. "Are you hungry?"

Nodding in amusement, Wanda smiled as she reached into her bag and pulled out some baking ingredients to make pizza. I laughed and responded, 'You do know I'm a terrible baker, right?'. Wanda chuckled even harder and replied, 'Oh, trust me, I'm fully aware,"

I chuckled at Wanda's words, her teasing tone making me smile. "Oh, please," I replied, rolling my eyes playfully. "It's not my fault I can't bake to save my life." Wanda laughed, signing me to come over. "But, ill help. Now, come on, we don't have all day."

That evening, Wanda and I found ourselves enjoying a peaceful moment together. We sat in front of an old television, eating pizza and sharing laughter as we chatted. As I took a sip from my soda, my head found its way to Wanda's shoulder, resting against the soft fabric of her clothing.

Feeling content, Wanda gently kissed the top of my head, before setting her plate aside. With a tender gesture, she wrapped her arms around me, allowing me to lean against her chest. As she leaned back against the somewhat uncomfortable but still cozy sofa, Wanda let out a weary yawn and laid her head upon mine.

"They won't find us here right?," I asked as I felt a bit uncomfortable about the idea. Wanda reassured me. Her eyes closed. "Don't worry, sweetheart, I won't let anyone harm you,"