Another Redhead

Alexander waited just outside the woods, waiting for Miss. For years now, it had been their routine to meet up there everyday. They didn't do anything special... They would just wander the village. Miss taught him how to forage and enjoy the woods. She would also take him to the beach and they would attempt to swim. After years of practice, they only learned how to float... and Alexander's complexion also got darker. His father joked he was being too active outdoors but... It was a good break. When his studies started, he was bombarded with everything the village had to offer. A little trip to the woods or to the beach wouldn't hurt... It was not like he was sacrificing anything.

Miss came running from the woods shortly after. She was carrying a small basket, which means the augur must have sent her to buy things while she was in town.

"I'm sorry I'm late... The augur had to tell me this weird story." Miss excused, panting.

"Story? About what?" Alexander asked as they started to walk to the marketplace.

"Something about what happens when we die."

"Care to tell me?"

As they made their way to buy the ingredients the augur requested, Miss told him the story. On one of the stalls, they overheard one of the people chatting about someone else. Knowing them, Alexander figured it was something more peculiar than Miss. He knew they kept a closer eye on her today than any other day. He saw through their façade easily... Miss seemed to know as well but she chose to not mind it.

"What do you think was that about?" she asked him when they got to the docks.

It was in the middle of the afternoon. The vibrant light from the sun danced gracefully with the clear blue water. Miss was the first to dip her foot in. Alexander followed after taking his shoes off. Together, they glanced at the vast sea in front of them. It was all just water but it was full of mystery.

"How can something be so terrifying yet so beautiful at the same time?" Miss muttered, sighing "I wish the days like this will last forever."

Alexander glanced at Miss. She was smiling contentedly, her eyes fixed at the line beyond the sea. Alexander found himself smiling. He may be friends with the most hated person in the village... but he was surprisingly okay with it. No one ever taught him to forage or invite him to play by the sea. He didn't hate Miss... On the contrary, he loved her. She was the dearest friend he had and will ever need.

Miss glanced at him and laughed. "What face is that?" she teased.

"What face?" he asked, his ears turning red.

Miss laughed once more. She stood on the dock and pushed Alexander in. She jumped in right after him. The water was deep enough for them to swim freely... It was the perfect spot for them who didn't know how to swim. Miss loved it there as well since the people who lived nearby didn't hate her at all since she seemed to bring fish in.

"You kids really know when the tide is perfect." one of the fishermen remarked, chuckling. "It's fun to see children enjoying the ocean once in a while."

"Is something wrong, sir?" Miss asked, looking up at the man who now sat at the edge of the dock.

"The haul has been poor recently... My children think there's something wrong with the ocean."

"When did it start?" Alexander asked, already trying to think of some way he can help.

"Ever since they saw that red-haired person by the ocean two days ago."

Miss suddenly ran to the shore and asked the fisherman where they saw the redhead. The fisherman shook his head, disappointed.

"The Elders went to where they last saw him but no one could find him. The people believe he cursed these waters so now fish can't come near the shore." The man turned to Miss. "Those who don't believe the story think it's you who has been cursing the water."

Miss sat on the sand and dipped her finger in the water. "Yerem said those who curse something hates it. Maybe the man hates the ocean."

"Or he hates the village." the fisherman added "Anyway, I see no reason why you would curse the water. Would you happen to know who the man would be?"

Miss shook her head. "Honestly, sir, I don't even know where I came from... or who I am."

Alexander noticed a hint of sadness in Miss' eyes. He realized that he never really asked about what Miss felt about everything that was happening. He never assumed or anything... He just never really saw Miss feel blue about anything.

They made their way home before sunset. Miss was silent, indicating she was deep in thought.

"I never really thought to ask you how you feel about... well, everything." Alexander muttered, walking awkwardly, indicating he was uncomfortable bringing up the topic.

Miss just smiled half-heartedly, an appreciation for her friend's effort to address her concerns. "Remember how I told you that Yerem was teaching me divination?"

"I do... Did you see anything?"

"I see lots of things when it comes to others.. But when I ask about me, I don't see anything. If I do, it never makes any sense."

"Why do you think that is so?"

Miss shrugged. "Yerem does not know either."

"Maybe he can see it for you."

"The problem is, he can't see the future. It seems only I can."

"Wait..." Alexander paused, "How can he teach you something he can't do?"

Miss stopped in her tracks as well. "I thought it would suffice if he knows the principle behind it."

"Well, even so... He wouldn't know what to expect or anything of the sort."

"When did he exactly decide to teach you divination?"

"A few days ago."

Alexander thought for a moment. Was it too much of a coincidence that the augur decided to teach Miss about divination around the time the red-haired man supposedly appeared near the beach?

Miss smiled when she saw her friend now deep in thought. She fixed her basket and she poked Alexander, interrupting his thoughts. Not surprisingly, he was startled.

"I'm sorry, did I say something?" he asked.

Miss chuckled and shook her head. "I'll go on ahead. Thank you for concerning yourself with my problems."

"Oh... Sure, it's never a problem."

Miss waved goodbye and ran to the woods. Alexander watched as she went further and further, eventually leaving his sight. Watching her go home was always the saddest part of the day... He always comforted himself that they'd meet again the next day. But now, knowing that someone unknown was wandering the village, he couldn't shake off the thought that the routine he loved so much was going to change.