The Storybook (1)

It's been two weeks since the festival, and Max has been paying me frequent visits since then. From what I remembered, Max started to show up, five days after the festival, while we were taking our walk on the seashore. Papa got angry and scolded Max for visiting. But Max keeps on coming. I laughed at them whenever they argued with each other. Eventually, Papa got used to Max and permitted him to visit but only three times a week. Today, Max will come and he promised that he will bring a storybook.

"Papa, let's wait for Max at the seashore," I said. Papa carried me in his arms then we went outside to wait for Max. A while later, Max arrived with a book in his hand. I waved my hand so that he would know that I already saw him. He waved back and ran towards us.

"Sorry, I'm late. Here Brielle, just like I promised." he showed the book to me. The book cover had a picture of a lady with wings. It had a vibrant color and appeared to be an interesting book.

"First, let's go inside the cave. It's very hot here," Papa said.

"Okay, Mister,'' Max responded.

***

Upon entering the sea cave, we all sat down on the sand.

"So, what trash did you bring this time?" Papa said with a mocking tone.

"Papa!" Sigh, Papa had a sharp tongue towards Max. And what more troubled me was that Max seemed to be used to it! I don't know what to do with these two.

"Here! It's the famous story of The Winter Fairy. Everyone knows this story and I know you will like it, Brielle." The Winter Fairy? Ah! That was one of the books in the shop. I want to hear the story.

"Brielle, come on, let's read it together." But I don't know how to read? Would Max get disappointed in me if I said I don't know how to read? Would I lose my only friend? I don't know humans well.

"I don't know how to read," I shyly responded.

"You don't know how to read?" asked Max.

"...Yes."

"Then do you want me to teach you? Well, I'm good at teaching."

".... You will stay my friend... even if I don't read?"

"Of course! Brielle will be my forever friend." Those words... were they real? Is he telling the truth? I don't know if those are real or lies but right now, I felt a sudden flare of joy. Papa patted my head as if he knew what I had been thinking.

"So let me read this book, then next time we will read it together."

"Yes, teacher Max," I replied.

Max blushed after hearing what I said, "Ahem... If you say that way."

"Brielle, don't call him that. Instead, I will teach you," Papa interfered.

"Mister, that's unfa—"

"What?"

"Nothing Sir."

"If you have nothing to say, start reading now. Don't let Brielle wait," Papa commanded.

Max cleared out his throat and started to read the book. The story of the fairy was heartwarming. During his narration, I got emotional - I cried, I smiled, and got angry.

"...The winter fairy lived happily together with the townspeople. The end,'' Max narrated. Once he finished reading, I clapped my hands, which made Max happy and proud. On the other hand, Papa was making a sullen and gloomy expression.

"Next time I will be the one reading the book," Papa stated.

"But Mister you said it's trash," Max protested. "And since Brielle likes me, I should be the one reading." Really Max? A while ago you were scared of Papa but look at you now! You are now brave enough to oppose Papa. Hah, you are digging your own grave.

"Heh, so that's how it is? Well then let me feed you to the shark," Papa replied, emitting a black aura. Uh oh, Papa is pissed right now. I wonder what you are going to do. Max? Huh? How come you are hiding at my back? You made me a shield. Where was the brave Max a while ago?

"Hey, go away to Brielle," Papa ordered. However, Max continued to stick to me. He must have had a gut feeling that he would be in danger once he left my side. So, in the end, it's on me, "Papa!" I said while wearing pleading eyes and a frown expression, "Will you read a book with me next time?"

Papa then carried me, "Of course, I will read you a book and teach you how to read." You are childish Papa! He intentionally spoke loudly so Max could hear it, and gave Max a mocking smile. Seriously Papa, who is the nine years old between the two of you?