the fall of red

tea time!

As Chloe cautiously ventured back into the dense forest, she couldn't help but notice the unusual sense of tranquillity washing over her; despite the lingering worries about Red, a feeling of calmness enveloped her, providing a stark contrast to the anxious thoughts swirling in her mind.

The day stretched out before her, giving her time to unravel the tangled threads of her plan. It was unusual for Chloe to be at a loss, considering her knack for devising a primary plan and seven backup strategies. Yet, at this moment, her mind was consumed by thoughts of Red. Not the youthful Red who had to condemn her to death but the Red who had given herself to the same fate.

As Chloe strolled through the peaceful woodlands, her mind wandered to thoughts of Red. However, a sudden sense of unease swept over her as she felt the distinct sensation of being watched, causing her thoughts about Red to come to a halt abruptly.

In just a few moments, Chloe recognised the feeling as familiar, indicating the presence of the nosey cat, who seemed to always be close whenever she needed time alone.

Chloe hummed softly, avoiding making eye contact with the cat, who she was sure was wearing a large, knowing smile as he spoke, "You have something on your mind. Someone."

He quickened his pace, hoping to catch up with the teenager, and called out, "Who is it?"

"An old friend," Chloe blankly replied, stepping over a bed of flowers that were deep into a conversation with themselves.

Amidst the tranquil stroll towards the tree, the feline companion made a request: "Tell me about this 'old friend'," the cat purred. Although Chloe initially wished to decline and avoid the topic altogether, an inner voice urged her to open up about Red before she reached her breaking point.

Chloe's question hung in the air as she slowed, the weight of her words echoing in the quiet surroundings. "Do you think it's still possible to fall in love with someone when they are dead?" she mused, her voice tinged with a hint of contemplation.

"I believe that as long as you continue to remember and think about someone, keeping their memory alive in your mind, it is indeed possible. But what do I know? I'm just a cat," the grinning cat joked. Chloe brushed aside the cat's last comment and pondered what he had said. She realised that even after Red's passing, she never truly stopped thinking about her. Red always had a place in her mind.

The teenager's casual tone belied the gravity of her words as she blurted out, "The princess is going to kill me tomorrow." The cat paused in surprise while the flowers looked up at her with shocked expressions.

"I bet your pardon?" the cat coughed out, catching up to Chloe.

"Princess Red. She's going to sentence me to death tomorrow. It's a part of the plan I'll get out before I actually lose my head, but... it's the only way to keep her alive and okay." Chloe shrugged, still trying to think of the rest of the plan.

'And how do you intend to find a solution to preserve your head?' the cat remarked sarcastically.

Chloe hesitated for a moment before responding. "I'm not sure yet," she said thoughtfully. I'll figure something out, though." With determination in her eyes, she continued walking towards the tree.

As she reached the tree, the teen found a comfortable spot to sit down. She ran her hands over her face, deep in thought, contemplating her next move.

Chloe anxiously anticipated her "lightbulb" moment, hoping for the perfect plan to suddenly materialise in her mind and alleviate all her concerns. However, despite her longing, this moment of clarity eluded her.

Under the cool shade of the old tree, the gentle voice called out to Chloe, who had remained seated in the same spot for the past few hours. "Get some sleep. You need it," the tree whispered, its branches swaying slightly in the light breeze.