Abi In Wonderland

Oud and Cherry

The warm breeze of autumn had begun to fade, making way for the cool whispers of winter. Everyone was battling chapped lips and occasional sore throats, waiting for the festive season. Snowflakes hadn't started falling yet, but the air carried that unmistakable hint of Christmas—and Abi could feel it.

"I've had a hectic enough week, don't you think, Havier?"

Muffled sounds from her sleep tugged at her subconscious as the morning sun streamed across her face. She twisted dramatically, stretching as if to shake the sleep completely off, and opened her eyes. Zevier wasn't there, at least not beside her. He was in the far corner of the room, adjusting his dark grey tie. His curly hair still damp, his usually lively expression pale and unusual.

"You don't work on weekends," Abi said, her voice slightly cracked. She cleared her throat, staring at him.

"Jagiya," he whispered—Korean for honey.

"I have a bit of stuff to do… I have to go now. Would you like me to bring anything home?" His smile was barely visible.

"No, thank you," Abi replied, before heading to the shower. His eyes traced her steps, his mouth slightly open, confusion flickering across his face.

His eyes grew weary, his expression dull. The invisible smile vanished completely. He exhaled deeply, straightened, and left, heading back to work.

Leaning against the cool bathroom wall, Abi stared at the marble floor.

What if I didn't want to be with Zev?

What if I was just happy someone rescued me?

What if I was just happy to be free from my parents?

If someone else had rescued me, would I still feel the same?

The thoughts spun in her head, fast and relentless. She wanted freedom—truly wanted it—without hurting Zev in the process.

She sank down onto the cold marble floor, burying her head in her folded arms resting on her knees.

Should I escape? she whispered.

But I'm not imprisoned…

Her short hair fell loose from its bun, brushing her face.

Or am I?

Dizzy from overthinking and hunger, Abi made her way downstairs. The environment felt strange, unfamiliar. In the distance, she noticed four new faces—girls about her age, their smiles warm, almost inviting. They waved slightly, in unison.

Abi felt a tightness bloom in her chest—but the sensation was strangely pleasant, tinged with excitement.

"This man actually hired extra people," she murmured, a light laugh slipping out as she waved back politely.

The girls exchanged brief glances before approaching her calmly.

"Hello, Miss Abigail," one of them said, her eyes bright—almost bunny-like with excitement.

"Call me Pyonghwa," she added, the Korean name rolling off her tongue.

She gestured to the others. "These are Keren, Matilda, and Melba."

"I'm guessing Master already told you we'll be here for as long as you'd like—to help you feel less bored!" Pyonghwa continued, her voice rising cheerfully as she suddenly flashed an enthusiastic double thumbs-up right in Abi's face.

Abi's cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

So he went around telling people I was lonely, she thought. How awkward.

"Thank you," she muttered softly, forcing a smile to mask her discomfort.

"Breakfast will be served shortly," Melba said gently, her voice calm and reassuring. Her deep melanin skin glowed beautifully, catching Abi's attention.

I wonder what lotion she uses, Abi found herself thinking.

Before she could dwell on it, Mrs. Margarita entered the dining room, carrying a small cake.

"Cake?" Abi asked, blinking in confusion. "What's the occasion, Mrs. Margarita?"

"Good morning, Miss Abigail," she replied warmly. "Early this morning, Master suggested we bake you a cake for—well—breakfast. I know it isn't the healthiest choice, but I'm afraid there was nothing I could do."

She continued speaking as she poured Abi a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.

"If there's anything you need, please let me know."

Mrs. Margarita wore her usual wrinkled smile—the one Abi had grown fond of over the months. She was the closest thing Abi had to a best friend, despite being nearly three times her age.

Though, Abi thought, that might change now… with four new friends.

Abi smiled softly at the sunflower-shaped cake. One of the eyes was slightly smudged, and the imperfection made her chuckle.

"Aww, look at her—so snug and in love," Pyonghwa teased brightly.

The others joined in with playful ooohs before breaking into a chant.

"Abi and Master sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!"

Abi's smile faltered. After so long indoors, suddenly interacting with so many people at once felt strange—overwhelming, even. She was excited, yes… but painfully shy.

"Oh, finish your cake, Miss Abi," Melba chimed in gently. "We have tons to talk about."