Cats n' Dogs

Chapter 2

'Good morning.' Sylvi said as she walked into the kitchen.

'Good morning Lumi.' Wenta said, sipping a cup of tea while she read a book. 'Did you sleep well?'

Sylvi nodded. 'Very well, thanks.'

'Tea?'

'Please.' Sylvi said as she sat down. 'The others not here?'

'My husband is working on the fields, Roh has already gone to town to work and took Pentu with him to spend a day at a friend's house.' Wenta said, putting down a cup of tea in front of Sylvi. 'Hungry?'

Sylvi nodded and Wenta set the table for her.

'So, what can I do today?' she asked.

Wenta sat down again. 'We'll start with the vegetable garden and the glass house today. Need to pull the weeds and harvest the first carrots. But first I need to get you something better to wear when you're digging in the dirt.'

Sylvi looked down at her short dress. 'I don't have anything simpler than this..'

'I have some old clothes that should fit you. I'll teach you to make some clothes for yourself later.'

Sylvi smiled as she ate, thinking about doing the things she was forbidden to do all this time.

***

Roh and Pentu arrived home at the end of the day and she hurried inside to see what Sylvi was up to.

By the time Roh walked into the kitchen she and Sylvi were talking about what Sylvi had done in the garden while Sylvi peeled potatoes. His mother was preparing the meat.

'Hey mom.' he said, giving her a peck on the cheek. 'Did she behave today?'

'Hey, she's a very sweet girl. Be happy she's here.' his mother said and Sylvi gave him a devious smirk.

'Did you worry about me all day?' Sylvi asked.

'More about finding home in one piece when I got back.' he grinned and ducked to avoid a piece of potato.

'No playing with food.' Wenta said. 'Go and get yourself cleaned up, dinner will be ready soon.'

Roh tossed the potato back at Sylvi sticking out her tongue before going to the bathroom for a shower.

After an evening of more talk and relaxing, Sylvi and Roh walked to their rooms in the back.

'So, how was your first day? Ready to go back home?' he asked with a chuckle.

She bumped him with her shoulder. 'And admit you're right? Never.' she said and smiled softly. 'Besides, I had fun today, taking care of the garden, getting taught by mom, I mean, your mother.'

'She's happy to have someone around the house during the day. She's often alone when dad and I are at work and Pentu's at school. Her friends aren't exactly in the neighbourhood, so she sees them only about once a week.'

Sylvi nodded. 'I understand.'

They stopped at her room. 'So, I'd like to thank you for coming up with this crazy idea of making me take you here.' he said. 'Mother looks like she has gained another daughter.'

'Hey, it was your idea, you suggested your farm as an example.' she said, sticking out her tongue playfully. 'And there's no need to thank me, I'm glad you gave in and brought me.'

He put up his hands. 'Only to see you fail and have to admit I'm right.' he said, smiling deviously.

She moved up to him and poked his chest. 'Oh, you'll regret that soon enough when I'll have you grovel through the dust.'