Chapter XIII

The conversation last night did me a lot of good. I felt like a burden had been lifted because no one really knew about my past here. Confiding in Zane truly relieved me, and maybe that's why I'm in such a good mood this morning.

As usual, I woke up, took my bath, helped with the cooking, and we had our breakfast. Today, I'm going fishing with Zane. We decided to do two things today: go fishing and gather some fruits. There's a specific fruit I need, which the villagers call "starberries." I'm going to use these starberries and some other fruits to make jam so we can eat it with the pastries I'll be baking. Not to brag, but the villagers really like my pastries.

Speaking of which, Zane's three friends who came to rescue us are very nice. I've had the chance to talk with them a few times, but that's about it. I don't really have friends in the village. I'm close only to our family, and a bit close to Zane's friends, Lila, and Mira. Mostly, I'm close to Isabella's friends because she constantly boast about her handsome and helpful son. Again, not to brag (I said with a smug look).

I got ready to go fishing and fruit picking with Zane. We packed our bags, ensuring we had everything we needed. The weather was chilly, typical for this time of year, but I was excited to spend the day outdoors.

As we walked through the forest, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace. The trees towered above us, their leaves rustling softly in the wind. The path we took was familiar now, but it still held a sense of wonder. I admired the beauty of the forest, its serenity, and the way it made me feel connected to nature.

We reached the river where we usually fish. The water was crystal clear, and I could see fish swimming near the surface. Zane showed me the best spots to catch the biggest fish. He was patient, guiding me and making sure I knew what to do.

"Remember to stay still and watch for the fish's movement," Zane said with a smile. "You're getting better at this, Evan."

I smiled back, feeling a warmth in my chest. His encouragement meant a lot to me. "Thanks, Zane. I'm trying my best."

After we caught enough fish, we headed to the part of the forest where the starberries grew. The bushes were full of ripe, juicy berries. I picked them carefully, savoring the sweet scent they emitted.

"These will make excellent jam," I said, holding up a basket of starberries.

Zane chuckled. "I'm sure they will. Everyone in the village loves your cooking, you know."

I blushed, feeling a bit proud. "Thanks. I just hope they like the jam as much as the pastries."

As we continued to pick berries, I thought about how much my life had changed since arriving here. From the isolation and pain of my past to the warmth and acceptance I felt now, it was a transformation I hadn't expected.

On our way back to the village, we chatted about various things—plans for the upcoming months, the traditions in the Kingdom of Lumina, and even shared a few jokes. It was these simple moments that made me appreciate my new life even more.

Back at the village, we unloaded our haul. Isabella was thrilled with the starberries, and the whole family gathered to help clean and prepare the fish. I felt a sense of belonging that I had never experienced before.

As the day came to an end, I couldn't help but reflect on how far I had come. The bond between Zane and me was growing stronger, and I was slowly building connections with others in the village. Life here was different, but it was good. It was home.