As I walked onward thinking about Loretta, the trees became denser and the number of elementals decreased. The sound of birds chirping rang out along with the cries of other animals. It was truly a mystical place.

In an instant, the forest’s atmosphere changed again. The warm, peaceful atmosphere became more uneasy.

I’m here.

Thoughts like that popped into my head instinctively. After I pushed through the trees, I found a small log cabin in the woods. It was almost as if it had popped out of a fairytale. I approached the cabin and knocked on the door. Loretta’s answer was swift and concise.

[Not working. I’m resting. Go away, and don’t come back.]

“Loretta?” I asked.

[Kyak!]

Crashing and clattering sounds rang out from the inside followed by absolute silence. I was speechless as the awkward silence continued and didn’t know what to do. The door gradually opened in a soft manner.

From inside, two golden eyes peeked out. So Loretta had golden eyes. They were truly big and beautiful.

She mumbled quietly, “Uh, mm, Shin-nim.”

“Hello, Loretta,” I replied back

“Uh, uhh… Pretend you didn’t hear what I said.”

I teased, “That would depend on Loretta’s...