The songbird in the open cage

Part 2

I didn't feel like moving even after I saw the sun disappear over the horizon. My body felt so heavy and I was so apathetic. I thought spending time here would cheer me up, or at least would make me feel better but it didn't work.

As a child, I would often sneak out into the woods after my brothers left home. Sometimes the house felt so huge and I felt so tiny and insignificant and lonely... But out in the open, surrounded by trees so much older than me, hearing the little noises of animals, breathing in the fresh air... It was as if all these aggravating feelings that were tormenting my heart had left me.

And that's how I got kidnapped but now I was a grown, strong woman, so there was no reason to be afraid. It's much harder to kidnap me now.

„Aprudeé." His voice was as soft as the spring breeze.

„Ryenne..." I looked down from the sturdy branch I was sitting on. He was very good at hiding his presence, but I was so attuned to him that I could always tell when he got closer to me.

„You didn't come home so I started to worry. Are you okay?" It was already dark, so I couldn't see his face. I wonder if he could see mine?

„I'm fine. I just didn't feel like moving. You can go ahead, I will follow you shortly." But instead of doing as I said, he jumped up and sat down next to me. It's good that I chose such an enormous and old tree like this.

„You sound hoarse." Really? I didn't notice. He placed his hand on my forehead, but it was only for a fleeting moment. Of course. „You feel warm."

„Because I'm alive." I tried to joke, but I could tell he wasn't amused.

„You have a fever." He sighed. I was a fool to think I could hide it from him.

It was true that I didn't feel like going home, but the other half of the story was that I felt sluggish and heavy, and when I moved my head I was assaulted by a splitting headache. I didn't want to imagine how bad it would be if I jumped off the tree. I was preparing myself before he appeared.

„Hm-hm." I gave a non-committal answer.

„You told me I worked too hard, but you are the one who overdid it." Well, yes, but the difference is that you're a diligent person, that's why. I just used work as an excuse to escape from my thoughts and problems. I could forget everything if I concentrated on the documents in front of me.

„It's nothing. I will be better tomorrow." I dismissed his concern.

„Allow me to take you home." He asked and I scoffed at him. You? Would you touch me of your own accord? It was an unbelievable thought.

„I can walk on my own two feet, so..."

„Excuse me." Before I could even comprehend what had happened, we were already on the ground. He jumped down without a sound or any impact and started towards the estate.

In any other situation I would have protested, but I felt really weak and I knew it would only make my headache worse, so I shut my mouth and decided to enjoy his warmth.  It's not a huge sin to act like he's hugging me because he wants to, is it?

I must have felt comfortable because I dozed off. The next thing I remembered, I was lying in my bed, under the covers, feeling his cold palm on my head. I sighed.

„I called the doctor." He explained after realizing I was awake.

„Thank you." I whispered. „You can go now."

„I'll stay with you." I wish you would, but it has become very difficult to say what you truly want to do and what you feel is your duty.

„There is nothing you can do for me now, so you should go and rest. The doctor will take care of me."