“I ran into a wild boar and sprained my ankle while I was climbing a tree.” Maisie had been so focused on
climbing up, the pain of the sprain was overshadowed by the panic in her heart. She realized that much
later.
“Why are you in the restricted area? It’s a very dangerous place.”
“This is a restricted zone?” Maisie asked. Cherie nodded, and the person next to her said, “This is an
ancient forest that hasn’t been explored. There are a lot of wild beasts here. You were lucky to have just
met a wild boar.” Even they didn’t dare to just wander in. Seeing a wild boar was nothing. If someone
with no experience ran into a wolf pack, nothing would save them. Maisie was quiet. She seemed to
remember something, and her face dropped.
When they got to the camp, it was really late. When the training instructor saw that everyone was back,
his tense face relaxed. But since Maisie had entered a restricted zone, he was still upset. “Don’t you
know what restricted means? Are you trying to get into trouble, going in there alone?”
“I’m sorry.”
Seeing Maisie apologize politely, he didn’t go on. “Don’t take risks like that anymore. I’ll mark you as
absent for the training today. You’ll clean the field tomorrow morning as a warning.” Maisie got back to
her room. When Raven saw her, she rushed toward her and said, “You’re finally back. Are you alright?
Why would you go to the restricted zone?” Maisie laid down her backpack and said, “Wynona brought
me there.”
“Wynona?” Raven looked surprised. “Is it possible that… But why did she do that to you?”
“No idea.” Maisie was sure she hadn’t offended anyone. Why would Wynona bring her into the restricted
area and leave her there alone?
If she were unlucky, she wouldn’t have been able to go home.
She was going to put this aside for now until she talked to her. “Rye, do you have some food?”
She hadn’t eaten since the afternoon.
“Yes,” Raven passed a bucket full of food to her and got another one out. “I have more if you want more!”
The next day at dawn…
Maisie had to rake the leaves off the field alone because of the ‘punishment’ while everyone had their
breakfast.
Francisco went over to her with the food box behind his back. He leaned under the tree and smiled. “Are
you tired, little goddess? Do you need help?”
“No,” Maisie continued raking without looking up. Francisco pouted and walked next to her, showing her
the box of food. Maisie paused and looked at him helplessly. “I need to clean up, don’t bother me.” He
said, “By the time you’re done, the canteen will have been closed. I brought food for you – out of the
kindness of my heart. Don’t be touched.”
Maisie didn’t want to take it, but her stomach protested.
Francisco sneered. “Eat. I’ll help you. Just eat quickly. The instructor is still in the canteen anyway.” He
grabbed the rake. The man who never did chores in his life started raking with enthusiasm. Maisie
looked at the box. She didn’t know why he wanted to help, but she was thankful.”
Thanks.”
She walked to a bench and filled up her stomach. She didn’t know Francisco that well, but he wasn’t as
bad as she thought. Francisco turned to look at her while raking. Maisie was eating with her head low,
her red lips lightly moving when she chewed.
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