Day One
A warm morning greeted our light steps. Olivia held my hand, her smile blooming like wildflowers along the stony path we walked.
"Come on, Alberttt! Today we're going even further!" she exclaimed excitedly.
I nodded with enthusiasm. The path we took was familiar, but Olivia led me slightly eastward into the forest—a place she said only she and her father had ever visited.
"I used to be scared to come here alone, because I heard strange sounds at night," she whispered, eyes wide.
We chuckled softly, then continued on. The wind gently swept through our hair as the rustling leaves sang a calming forest lullaby. After passing through a few bushes and winding roots, we arrived at a damp, mossy patch of earth dotted with tiny blossoms.
"Look at that!" Olivia pointed toward a massive tree whose trunk curved into an arch, like a natural gateway.
We walked beneath it—and suddenly fell silent.
Beyond the tree's arch, a hidden pond revealed itself. The water was crystal clear, reflecting the blue sky and the silhouettes of surrounding trees. Purple and pink wildflowers danced in the breeze.
"It's like an angel descended from heaven…" I murmured, eyes locked on Olivia as she stood in the middle of the lake's glowing reflection.
She met my gaze and smiled bashfully. We simply looked at each other for a moment—until Olivia suddenly squealed.
"ALBERTTTT! Look up!"
I glanced upward. A green snake had coiled itself on a tree branch and was now slithering down fast.
"RUN!!"
We screamed at the same time, panic surging through us. Our feet slipped on the wet ground, but Olivia grabbed my hand and pulled me up. We kept running, crashing through leaves and branches, nearly tripping over one another. The snake didn't chase us, but we didn't dare look back.
Once we reached the forest clearing, we collapsed, panting. Then—laughter burst forth.
"Ha… hahahaha!" Olivia laughed, slapping the ground.
I joined her, laughing hard, bent over with my arms around my stomach. "I thought we were going to be eaten alive!"
"It was just a tree snake, Alberttt!" Olivia cackled. "But hey, our reflexes are amazing!"
We laughed until our stomachs ached. For the first time in a long while, I laughed that freely.
When we got back home, Olivia's father was cleaning glass bottles and small tools at the lab table.
"Where have you two been? You're filthy!" he called out, raising an eyebrow.
"We… were just chased by a snake!" Olivia replied with a giggle.
Her father shook his head, then smiled. "You two would make fine forest explorers. But now, it's time to study. Olivia, prepare the herbs. Alberttt, want to help?"
I nodded eagerly. "Of course!"
We started peeling roots, grinding wildflowers, and mixing liquids from tiny bottles into a clay bowl.
"Remember, the ratio is crucial. One small mistake and it could become poison," her father said seriously.
I made a mental note. Olivia demonstrated, mimicking her father's methods. The liquid turned from clear to pale blue.
"We've just made a calming potion," Olivia announced proudly.
I looked at the shimmering mixture and smiled. "I think… this is a wonderful beginning."