12 Chapter 12

Dahlia seems like she doesn't know about Leaf so we didn't bother to ask anymore. We waited for Life to come just see how compassionate their love is. They are too close that I am a bit disgusted or mad. I wonder if Leaf suddenly woke up and saw these things. Will Leaf hit him again? Will Life run around again trying to hide into something? I laughed as I imagined it. I hope I can that thing again. It makes the Spring area more lively.

Life is having fun. I can't blame him. He finally had this feminine lady named Dahlia which is a complete opposite of Leaf. I noticed Dahlia is somehow bossy and she is the one insisting the kiss which I found a little inappropriate? No, maybe I just can't find the word. Never in my stay in the winter area Winter kissed me. We slept together because there's no extra room which is I think a proper thing because he doesn't want to be to get sick and I have the same thought as well.

We left without meeting Leaf because every time Autumn opened the topic, Life will automatically change the topic. What is he hiding?

I take a stroll in the summer area which is not it's sunset. It's so relaxing. I missed the smell of the saltwater and the sand. I wonder how's Sunlight and Heat now? I walked a little farther and saw two people sitting on top of the big rock. I waved when the girl waved. The man ran down.

"I'm sorry, Wind," he said

"No, it's fine, I don't get the sense to forgive you when all you did was care for me" I smiled

"Thank you. Oh! Please keep this. If you ever need help or in case of emergency, pinch it until it lit up and become warm. Sunlight or I will personally help you" he said gave me a crystal that looked like an amber

He invited me to the rock, but I rejected it. It is also important for them to have quality time. I left the Summer area. Winter is not the type of man as funny as Life or as romantic as Autumn. He is not as active as Heat, but he has this way in my heart. Will he be happy if I let the guest stay here? I wonder what will be his reaction when he saw the guest. This reminded me that I found a cute name to the guest. I hope he'll like it.

The guest waited for me outside and waved as he saw me near. I wonder where is Papa Bear? Why is he waiting for me?

"Did you have fun?" he asked

"Yes" I replied

"Good! Tell me about it inside" he smiled

"Where's Papa bear?" I asked

"He said he will just stay at home because I am here to take care of Winter," he said

I went inside the room. I hold Winter's hand and it is much colder than before. Why? I need to find Papa Bear, maybe he knows the reason. I was pulled by the guest when he saw me going out.

"There's a blizzard in this hour, you should rest now and do it tomorrow," he told me

"I need to see Papa Bear" I argued

"It's cold outside and is dangerous" he added

"But, I know this place more than you do" I debated but he blocked my way

"No..." he said

"I am the Lady of this place, how can you stop me" I warned him

"Then give me a name. Tonight, I will return to the real world. I don't want that to happen! I don't want to be homeless again" he forced himself and pushed me

"Just name and you are acting insane? How ridiculous!" I said

"It's a name that will help me escape my life. This isn't ridiculous! It is my life we are talking about!" he shouted

"You don't know what it feels like to sleep in the streets. You don't know what poverty tasted because you lived in your palace and took pity on less fortunate like us, giving us coins that won't even worth bread. How can it be ridiculous? I need that man to grant my wishes and if it means that I have to be a villager or whatsoever this world asks, I will comply! I need this life" he added

I'm so scared that I cried. He's fingers are hurting me. It's painful. I forced myself out, but he's a man and is too powerful for me. He pushed me on the couch and now, he is out of control. I need a way out. I need... The crystal lit up without me touching it. Suddenly a fire blew him away from me. The door burned and from there, I saw both Sunlight and Heat.

"Are you an idiot? Why didn't you pinch the stone?" Sunlight shouted angrily

Sunlight gets me and we ran away.

"Winter!" I shouted

"We have no time! Faster!" Sunlight said and pulled me

I'm too exhausted. I tried to catch my breath and gazed at what place we are in. It's where the ceremony happens. I was about to ask Sunlight why did she bring me here, but I was too shocked to speak my mind. Am I dreaming? It is Winter. I fell on my knees and cried hard. It is Winter.

"Time passed by so fast even if I wished that yours will be slower" he spoke

"Why not make it stop?" I asked

"Then you'll be bored and wish to go home. I don't want to entangle you anymore with my selfishness" he said

"What if I told you, I'd love to if you wished me?" I asked

"Why will I stop you?" he asked

He helped me stood up and hugged me. I miss him so much. I am addicted to his hugs. It seems like it's been a long long time.

"I miss you" I whispered

"I didn't miss your not bad foods" he teased

"Jerk! Jerk! Jerk!" I said and we laughed

"Will we proceed to the ceremony or you'll keep singing there lovebirds?" the Master said

I felt embarrassed and automatically pushed Winter. How can I do that in public? It is inappropriate for a lady to be like that. The ceremony happened. It is already my two years here and Winter wished that I can return here whenever I wanted. I got confused so I asked,

"Why didn't you wish to heal your other eye?" I asked

"Does it look bad to me?" he replied

"No... You're handsome even you're like that" I murmured

"Then, will you forget your engagement and stay here with me?" he asked

"I... I don't know" I hesitated

I want to, I just can't decide yet because it will be rude for that man. Father said he waited for me for a long time and I didn't even give him a chance. I want to meet him and reconcile properly.

"At least you didn't deny directly" Winter smiled

You are now smiling. I wonder why you suddenly became like that? Is there something in your dreams that made you change? I wanted to ask more, but...

"What this lovey-dovey all about? Have you forgotten about me?" Heat asked

I was surprised when Winter ran and hit the guest.

"That's for trying to kill me! And this..." he punched him again

"This is for bringing trouble in my territory," he said

"You're the one to talk? Tsk. You are nothing but a murderer!" he said

"How dare you!" I snapped

"Do not get involved when you know nothing, Wind! You are just one of his lists. Later on, you'll regret trusting him" he said

"Just who are you?" I asked

"I will bring him to the Master." Heat said and Winter nodded

Do they seem to be in a good relationship? I thought they can not be together. Well, that's what everyone wanted me to believe. Winter stopped outside the house of Autumn.

"Is there something wrong?" I asked

"Nothing"

He looks sad a while ago. What's with Winter's emotion today? By the way, I forgot to ask him...

"When did you wake up?"

"When you missed me that much, I heard my name" he replied

"Don't lie! When?" I asked

"Oh! I heard you saying, please wake up, Winter. I love you and I always do. You're too charming that every day I fall in love with you" he said and I punched him lightly

He pretended to be hurt and I laughed.

"Just a while when that Rose's brother tried to kill me," he said

"Rose?" I pointed out

That name sounds familiar? Where did I hear his name?

"She's one of the first generation" he simply said

"Oh... Your lover" I replied bitterly

I shut my mouth. I didn't do it purposely! It was an accident!

"You're jealous?" he asked and laughed

"How can you play tricks on me? I'm not jealous!" I denied

"She's the former Lady of Fall" he stated

"Oh? Autumn's wife before Rain?" I asked

"No, you can say my former wife when I was Death" he replied

"Death?" I felt curious

"You know, when there's life, there's death. To think of the roses are good for the dead? I was too childish that time" he explained

"Hey," I said

"What?" he asked

"Can you tell me about yourself? You know I've been here for two years and me somehow... No, I do not know you at all" I opened up

"It's fine, I do not know anything about you too. So if you ever leave me, I can easily forget all about you" he replied and left me out in the snow

Why did he turn to coldness again? Is it because of the snow? Does it affect his emotions?

"I'm glad you started taking action," Papa Bear said that made me jumped

He is now on the bear form that made me want to hug him.

"My dear child, I think you are treating me like a fool," he said and sat on the snow

I sat on his legs and hugged him. So warm and fluffy.

"You love me, don't you?" he asked

"Yes, if Autumn is like a brother to me. You are my father here" I responded

"Now, now, my lovely daughter" he spoke

"Why does Winter didn't want to talk about himself?" I asked

"He might be afraid. You know his past is so sad. I'm afraid you might blame him, so I don't want to say it myself. Now that you know that he is Death, I hope you can now cope up in what happened in the past" he said

"Papa Bear, do you think if I always invite Winter out, he'll tell something about himself? Or if I talk about myself he'll share something about him too?"

"As to go out, I think it will be impossible. Why not try the second one? I remember that young Winter always love his friends' stories" he said

I stayed for some time and talked to Papa Bear more. I love how Papa Bear treats me like his own child. It's a pity that he doesn't have a partner. I guess he will be a good father. As I went inside, I saw the hungry Winter eating my foods.

"It's not bad, why are you so glutton?" I asked him

"If you slept a lot and didn't eat nor drink, any food is delicious" he replied

"Then maybe I'll cook your food once in a while, then you'll praise me that it is delicious" I responded

"Did you change your way of cooking? Your food became saltier" he said

I was about to get mad when I remembered something...

"I love your foods before," he said, disappointed

"Really? Then is it delicious that it is so hard for you to resist?" I asked as I sat on the stool in front of him

"Yes... I can say it that way, now will you cook that way again?" he requested

"Okay, to tell you honestly, I didn't cook that. Your lover's good brother cooked that for me. I thank you for your honest remark about my hardships as a cook, now I can let myself at ease because I am still a good cook" I said and laughed

He choked to what I've said so I get him some water. He was too shocked. It is so funny to see him like this.

"What if the food is poison?" he shouted

"You won't die, the Master said, no one can die here" I stated

"What if I tell you there are two people who die here and it is not called dead, instead, they are called forgotten?" he explained

"Really?" I said I might get some information

"Yes, the first one is Rose, and the other one is Ivy" he answered

"Aren't you the worst guide? Why didn't I knew all this?" I asked

"Say, how can I explain things when you are always out to play?" he said

That hit me badly. Yes, I always leave when I finished my chore. Sometimes I leave the house first and I don't create conversation or ask questions about this world.

"Never mind, we still have a year so explain now!" I replied

"People who in the real world called dead, where called forgotten here. The villagers who didn't choose to stay, they are called Passed. Ivy passed, but before she got out, she became Forgotten" he explained

"I wonder how did you know all of this? Are they your woman?" I asked

"If you said you're jealous, I'll tell you" he teased

"That means they are your woman, continue explaining" I replied

"Stone heart" he murmured

"That's all... What do you want to know?" he asked

"How did Ivy became Forgotten if she Passed?" I asked

"Because of Death," he said

"Aren't you Death?" I asked again

"Nope! I am your Winter. How come you do not know your husband's name? It hurts here" he said and pointed to his heart

"Stop acting like Life! You're giving me goosebumps" I said, irritated.

"Then I will impersonate..."

"How about now? Do you like me?" he asked as he lifts my chin and let me look into his eyes

I felt hot in my face. What is he up to? The Winter I know is not impulsive.

"Stop it, Winter, you're not Leaf or Autumn or Heat. Don't even try to imitate Rain or Sunlight. Winter is Winter and that will never change" I said trying to pretend it did not affect me

"Tsk... I'm trying my best to make you enjoy your last year and now you are wrecking my ideas" he murmured and curses

"Stupid, just being you is enough" I laughed

"Say, do you like that cold-hearted man you lived with for two years?" he questioned

"Frankly speaking, you're wrong. That man is not cold-hearted he is sad and afraid. That made me close to him" I responded

"So it's not true love, but pity" he replied and was about to leave

"It is not pity, it is called concern. Don't misunderstand me, my mother also came to a less fortunate family. Every day of my life is living in grandeur, yet people look down on me. We are the same, but different. Maybe you think nobody will like you because of the past, but the past is done, the present is now and no one can predict the future except your present. I accepted my life here not because I have this thought of leaving, but because my father said, everything happens for a reason. My former friends locked me in the cabinet as we played hide and seek. That's the reason I'm scared of darkness. They hate me because I am not as noble as their bloodline seems to be"

"Why are you telling me this?" he asked

"I'm telling you all of this because it is you who can not forgive yourself. Everyone cares for you, you pushed them away because you are scared. But what are you afraid of? Are you frighten by the past which you think will happen again? Are you afraid to trust because everyone left you behind? Acceptance is what you are lacking, Winter. My mother told me to be myself once in a while instead of living all your life with your lies. Just try, Winter. It won't hurt anyone. I am with you" I said

"Are you done?" he asked

"I'm sorry if I go overboard... I will sleep first" I excused myself

It made me a bit disappointed because I let out all my confidence to speak out my mind. Did it reach him? Winter hugged me from my back.

"Thank you" he whispered

I turned around and hugged him back. Maybe this will be the start of our getting to know each other. Ms. Aria said that people who want a deeper relationship started with this stage. Ms. Aria? I remembered my mentor's name. It's kind of weird that I forgot about it, at least now I remembered.

The next day, I woke up feeling happy because I have this same warmth of Winter. It's so comforting. I take my initiative to prepare breakfast and did my chores.

"What's with the blooming Wind?" he asked sleepily

"Nothing. I'm just happy we are back to the old us" I smiled

"Not yet, honey. My dear villager, how can you forgot about your guest" the Master popped up

"He hurt Winter. How can you expect me to name him?" I said

"But he is still a guest. We have the rule to welcome the guest without them feeling rejected. How can you broke the rule?" he asked and suddenly I felt that everything is dark

My heart palpitated and my breathing became harder. What's happening? I know I am in our house, but why do I feel like I am in a closed container. A hand grabbed me and it made me a bit relaxed.

"It's fine now, I'm here... Nana, I'm with you" I heard Winter's voice

Nana? That's my real name. How can Winter know my real name? I heard the Master laughed.

"Winter, why are you becoming warmer? Do want me to exchange you with somebody else? Winter is cold! Be colder!"

His hands became colder. What's happening to him? I came back to my conscience when I saw knives struck down Winter. How can he be so merciless? He's a murderer!

"What's with the hateful eyes? He won't die." the Master said

"You! You are always hurting someone out of nothing! Why do you always do that?" I shouted

"Because it is a type of discipline" he replied

"You discipline your people because you are afraid to be disobeyed, yet you don't care about their well -being. What kind of a person are you? You just love the power and are greedy of things!" I said

"Lady, be careful of your words," he said and I felt that I can't move my whole body

He is giving me this untamed look like he is going to kill me if I stop him. How powerful is this person?

"Do not hurt her. She knew nothing" Winter said between his cough

"Winter, you must know how to control your partner. I will send the guest back and you know how to properly welcome him. If not, I will go back here to kill you multiple times. I am not afraid of you. You should be afraid of me" the Master said and he faded

"Are you all right?" he asked me

"Why did you let him bully you?" I asked

"Because I am no match for him. In his eyes, I am just someone he saw in the streets took me in and welcomed me. He pitied me for my whole life and treated me well. I can't just stand against him" he said

"He's not worthy of respect!" I said angrily

"Don't be mad, as to Rose's brother, we must welcome him. This time appropriately" he smiled

I don't know how Winter used his smile to mesmerized me and removed all the anger I've felt with the Master. My day is just so good and destroyed by the Master, then he just made my day again. A knocked made me came back to my conscious self. Winter opened the door then Rose's brother entered with his smirk.

"It seems like the favorite child was not favored anymore"

"Welcome to the winter area, guest" Winter greeted

He was not minding what he said.

"Playing deaf? Like when I came here to get my sister's corpse. You never changed, Death. You are still the murderer I know" he said

"If he is a murderer, I am a psycho," I said

"Wind" Winter warned

"I'm sorry, I can't stop myself being a comedian! Hello Guest, welcome to our place" I said and faked my laugh

How absurd this scene would be? I wonder if what the others will do in my situation. I am like having an affair with my husband in front. Winter said it was fine to call him the name I wanted. The time that it entered, I became his partner. Winter said it won't affect anything at all and so I followed him.

"You sly fox pretending to be good but has this beast inside... Your name is Fox!" I said

"Wind you..."

Before Winter finished his words, Rose's Brother Fox turned into an arctic fox.

"And it happened. I was about to say you are not allowed to name an animal in this place or they'll turn into one. It's too late to stop you" he said

I saw Winter smiled. Oh my! You cold-hearted man! Did I just make you happy? Fox left the house, maybe a new one for him was created somewhere. When Fox was gone, Winter hugged me and lifted me.

"You made me happy" he laughed

"I didn't do anything. When you're unconscious that's the name I always think of when I knew him. I just granted his wish to have a name? Is that disobedience?" I asked

"Sometimes, it's really good to have an innocent wife," he said and kissed my nose

I was too shocked that I became a stone. He kissed my nose. He's so near me. Oh my! Why does my heart palpitating? He looked in my eyes like he's asking for something then he looked down. Is he trying to ask me if he can kiss me?

"Oh! When you are doing this lovey-dovey thing, can you close the front door?" Heat told us and automatically we moved farther from each other

That situation is so embarrassing. I can't stop myself remembering Winter's face near me and this made me blushed. I need some air. Winter walked back to our room. I gave the feather duster to Heat and went running to Papa Bear's house. Why can't I stop myself from smiling? This lips already has her own life.