Lucille's face was still in a lovely shade of pink when Ashrik ceased laughing. Dobby and Ponyo, who had been wrestling not far away, paused just long enough to stare at them before chasing each other again.
Ashrik stopped at the entrance. He reminded her softly, "Be careful. I'll tell Dobby and Ponyo to go there at sundown if you haven't returned."
Even though the space was completely safe because no other people, zombies and wild creatures could enter without his permission, he still said it.
"Okay," Lucille nodded, finally mounting the bicycle. "Later, Brother Ash."
"En."
Ashrik stood there, watching as Lucille pedaled forward, entering the forest. Her silhouette grew smaller and smaller until she disappeared behind the shrubs and towering trees.
Only after she vanished did he turn, heading back toward the cottage. Even though the sun was still high in the sky, he had already thought of what to make for dinner tonight.
