There is one thing I can say with one-hundred percent certainty: every being in existence is unique. That may sound cliché, but it is only the truth. Throughout my journey, I came across so many different types of people. Some are quiet, others are loud. Some are artistic, others are athletic. You name it, and I'm sure I've met someone like that.
Marcelle was unique, too.
We were touring the village, and I remember her continuous excitement. She pointed out every building and explained each one in detail.
Yes, it was a rather long tour, but I gained so much knowledge from it.
We walked slowly... She talked, and I listened.
"Look there, Ileyar! See that house? The one made with red bricks and a green roof?"
"Yes, I do. Tell me about it."
"Ah, that's where I live! The Chastain Estate, as I like to call it!"
Chastain, hmm?
"Chastain? Is that your last name?"
"You betcha! And I live with both parents. My mom is a designer, and my dad runs a bakery... And my older sister is a butcher. I know, that's not very common. But she's amazing. We always get our fresh meat from her... Well, at least the meat for big meals. The simple stuff we get from the other shops, like lunch meat..."
"I see. Your family sounds amazing."
She looked at me with such an odd expression, it took me a while to figure out what it meant.
Her smile conveyed happiness and excitement, like yes, I love my family!
Her eyes, however, looked sad and worried.
Ileyar... Do you not like your family?
"Marcelle, what is it?"
"Oh, you just sounded like you..."
"...Ah. I see. I do not have a family, if that is what you were thinking."
I probably should not have told her that, because it pained me to watch her afterwards.
"Aww... I'm so sorry, Ileyar! Everyone needs a family. You... You can stay with me! I don't mind."
I shook my head.
"No, it is okay. I am a lone wanderer. Family is not a necessity for me. But... I sincerely appreciate the offer. Hmm... May I stay with you while I'm here?"
I knew it was rude of me to ask such a question--I was inviting myself, after all--but Marcelle did not seem to mind.
Her sad eyes began gleaming again. It relieved me, to say the least.
"Of course you can! Ileyar Chastain! Hehe."
Hearing her last name go with my given one gave me a sense of belonging. Up until then, I had never felt as welcomed and accepted by anyone.
"I am forever in your debt, miss Marcelle Chastain. Now... May we continue? I'm enjoying the tour."
She bounced and squealed. I assumed she meant yes.
Marcelle showed me the rest of the village. It was simple, too.
The houses were all in one section, and shopping was in another.
The place may have been small, but... It didn't take long for me to feel at home.
Staying with the Chastains was wonderful. They treated me as if I were one of their own.
I didn't want to leave.
