In the gardens, May charges about, squealing and chasing butterflies.
The flowers and hedges are perfectly trimmed, and the grass is freshly cut.
Even the dirt feels fresh.
If you'd told me at any point in my life that I would find gardens to be delightful, I would have called you a fool.
And yet here I am, enjoying this.
Lucas approaches and brushes his arm against mine, careful to leave me the option of drawing back or ignoring him.
"A peaceful scene, don't you think?" He muses. "Our little monster has been so full of energy ever since she's been free of the wagon."
I hum, nodding.
The fresh air and greenery are soothing.
He chuckles, his fingers grazing mine before withdrawing.
I wonder if he's figured it out, too.
Lucas isn't subtle in how he's checking up on me.
Still, I feel at ease, despite his attention. The horror of the Leviabeats, if that's really what they are, feels like a very distant memory now in this crisp early winter air
