I really do believe that the Chastain family was a blessing to me. They always talked to me, and it sure did kill time.
Marcelle's father, especially. I do not know why, but he took a liking to me pretty quickly.
"Ah... Welcome, Ileyar! I am Laurent, and this is my wife Léone."
"Thank you, Monsieur. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Laurent sat down at the kitchen table, and motioned for me to join him.
"Ileyar... Where are you from?"
"Oh... I'm sure you have not heard of it. It's just a desolate location. Not many people there."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, sir."
"Haha, that's interesting. Marcelle is really glad you're staying here."
"...She is?"
"Mhm. She thinks you're different. She likes different... Quite a lot."
"Mm, I understand, Laurent."
"Yep. I should warn you, though..."
"About?"
"I'm not saying you would--I think you're a very wise and kind young man--but just in case... You shouldn't get any ideas. It's not even that I don't approve of you..."
What was he going on about? It... It wasn't like that...
"So... Why?"
"...She already has a boyfriend, that's all."
I didn't know why at the time, but I felt this strange sensation within my chest. It was like a giant hole had been cut into it, and nothing would be able to fill it back up.
"...I see. What is he like?"
"Well... I am not the biggest fan of him, but Léone and Murielle--Marcelle's sister--love him."
"Hmm. Why don't you like him, Laurent?"
"He just... He's sketchy. I don't know. He's a painter. He's really good, but... I get a worrisome feeling when he's around."
"Oh... I'm sure it's nothing, Monsieur. You're just worried about your daughter. That's completely normal. But you can't control everything, and perhaps it would be better if you just accept it."
I felt like a hypocrite. I myself couldn't accept it, yet I did not understand why. All I knew was that I wanted Marcelle to myself...
I was relatively young... And I was selfish. But I was wise enough to know that she would be better off without me, anyway.
"Hmm... You're right. Thank you, Ileyar."
Laurent smiled at me, and reached his hand out. I did not know what he expected me to do.
"Hmm? Is something wrong with your arm?"
He burst out laughing.
"Of course not! Handshakes. Here."
Laurent grabbed one of my hands and shook it.
A handshake. I see. A gesture of formality?
"Oh, haha. Thank you. I suppose we each have taught something today."
"That we have."
I stood up and left the room. It was raining outside, and I needed some time alone.
I wandered off to the library, deep in thought as I went.
Why do I care so much about Marcelle...? She's only another person... And when I leave to continue my travels... I will likely never see her again.
But...
She has also been extremely kind and generous... Both of which I have never experienced before. Not to mention she's so spirited. Her enthusiasm radiates a dark room without fail. I admire it... I wish I had that much spirit within me. I would want to share it everywhere I go...
...And... Why do I feel so empty all of a sudden? Marcelle is still my friend, so does it even matter if she has...
My thoughts were interrupted as I bumped into a tall silhouetted figure. I did not recognize him, but he slowly turned to face me.
"Hey, are you alright?"
"...Yes. My apologies. I did not watch where I was going..."
Before either of us could say anything else, I noticed someone at his side...
And I didn't want to stay there when I figured out who it was.
Marcelle...
So this person must have been him.
I did not care to find out, so I sped walked away, avoiding all eye contact.
I went to the library and buried my thoughts in the printed words. It helped my nerves ease down.
...But I still felt the hole, and it kept growing bigger and bigger.
And this would lead to some problems later on.
