Ship: riarkle
Riley's POV:
I skip through the forest, my basket in hand, humming a random tune.
I am on my way to my granny's house, I'm bringing her some goodies.
My legs get tired and I sit down on a near by log.
Man I wish I could eat some of these. I think as I look down at the basket full of delicious treats.
I decide to sing a song while I rest my feet.
White lips, pale face
Breathing in snowflakes
Burnt lungs, sour taste
Light's gone, day's end
Struggling to pay rent
Long nights, strange men
And they say
She's in the Class A Team
Stuck in her daydream
Been this way since eighteen
But lately her face seems
Slowly sinking, wasting
Crumbling like pastries
And they scream
The worst things in life come free to us
I stop singing and jump to my feet when I hear a branch snap behind me.
I turn around to see what caused the noise.
I see a boy in a ripped red flannel and some faded torn up jeans hiding behind a large oak tree.
"I'm sorry for disturbing you. I just couldn't help but listen to your angelic voice." The mysterious boy says, coming out from his hiding spot.
I gasp. "Your hands. And your feet. Are you the-"
"Yes, I am the one they call 'The big bad wolf.' I wish people didn't fear me. I didn't ask to be this way, to be this monster. I was cursed." He explains, sadness in his voice. "You're afraid of me, I know. I'll leave you alone now."
"No, don't go. I'm not afraid of you. I don't think you are a monster. I just think you are, misunderstood." I say, taking a step closer to him.
"You aren't afraid of me?" He asks in a hopeful tone.
I shake my head. "Not at all. I'm Riley, but most know me as little red or just red. What's your name?"
"I'm Farkle. Nice to meet you, Riley. If you don't mind me asking, what are you doing out here by yourself? The forest can be a dangerous place."
I giggle. "I walk through these trails all the time, the scariest thing I've come across is a bunny."
"And me."
"No, you aren't scary at all, Farkle." I look at him with a genuine smile.
He smiles back.
I sigh and pick up my wooden basket.
"Well, I have to be on my way. I'm taking my grandmother some treats." Farkle frowns.
"Would you like to come? Having your company would be delightful." I say, making him frown turn into a smile.
"I'd like that." He says with a chuckle.
We begin our journey to grannies house, walking through the dark woods, making small talk.
After a few hours of walking, the sun sets and the stars dance around in the moonlit sky.
"It's dark out, how much farther is your grandmothers cabin?"
"Another hour or two." I yawn.
"Here, why don't you rest here for a while?" Farkle asks, pointing towards a near by willow tree with a blanket of moss and flowers underneath.
I nod, "Sure, why not."
We walk over and I lay down underneath the tree. Farkle lays down next to me.
I try to get comfortable but the ground isn't exactly the softest place to lay on.
"Not used to sleeping on the ground, huh?" Farkle asks. I shake my head. "Here." Farkle opens his arms to me.
I smile and lay my head on his chest. "Thanks."
"You're welcome. I'm used to sleeping out here. I know how uncomfortable the ground can be. It's no big deal."
"I'm sorry that you are treated the way you are. You aren't a monster."
Farkle sighs. "I am a monster, Riley."
"No, you are not. At least I don't think you are." I tell him.
"Thanks red." I feel his cold lips press against my forehead for a moment, before he wraps his arms around me, pulling me closer to him.
"You're welcome."
I close my eyes, drifting off into a deep sleep underneath the willow tree.
