But when I’m around Genevieve, feeling safer than ever, that mindset is slowly disappearing. I’m allowed to smile and laugh, and it makes me never want to stop. Gosh, everything she does brings butterflies to my stomach, and it makes me want to run around like a little boy.
—
What feels like hours passes before Genevieve decides to ask her traditional question. “How much longer will it be until we’re there?”
The clouds have covered the sky and my body can no longer resist hunger.
“We’ll be there soon, sweetheart.” Just as I answer her, the gravel path beneath our feet abruptly ends.
Both of us stop right before a big sign that welcomes us to the wonderful place, “Town of... hell?”
I bring the map closer to my eyes to make sure that I’ve led us the right way.
“This does not look like the place my mother described.” Her words come through with worry.
Looking at each other in sync, both of us recognize the confused look on the other’s face.
Not a single thing in our close surroundings looks like a paradise. Everything is black, gray and ashy, every troll that passes by looks drained and lifeless with their body posture failing them.
“Shall we try finding you that dress I promised you, sweetheart?” I say, bowing before her and pretending to take off a fancy hat from my head.
“Yes, my lord.” She giggles, covering her mouth with her hand.
“Unfortunately I can’t promise any bright colors this evening, my lady.”
Looking at me, she places her hand around my arm and holds onto my bicep. Such a small gesture that makes my body burn. The touch of her hand pressing against my body.
With every troll wearing dark clothes that lack color, it doesn't take long before eyes start staring at Genevieve in her bright dress.
“Look at how ugly she is.” Someone laughs.
“And look at her dress.” Whispers come from every corner.
“Don’t listen.” I tell her, not wanting the awful words to affect her.
Walking through the dark town, their eyes are focused on you wherever you look. And it feels like an eternity passes before we walk past a small clothing shop.
As I open the obsidian door to the smoky building, a small baby dragon runs out before we get the chance to step inside.
“Look how cu-” Genevieve doesn’t get the chance to finish her sentence before the small dragon sinks its teeth into her dress, ripping it into pieces. Laughs echo behind us, and I try my best to ignore it.
“No! Not my dress!” She lets out, gathering as much fabric in her arms as possible.
Suddenly, a troll comes running towards us with a cigarette in her mouth and picks up the dragon. “Fibbie! Behave you little shit, we have guests.” She looks us up and down. “Oh no, your dress. I’m so sorry about that, but it was awful anyway.” She continues while looking straight into Genevieve’s eyes with an evil smirk plastered on her face.
With her arm motioning to step inside, both of us follow close behind.
“How can I help you today?” She asks, her words coming out with a deep cough accompanying them.
“A new dress would be good, especially since your fucking dragon destroyed it even more.” I answer with a cold tone.
Rolling her eyes, she shows us where to find the dresses. And just as I thought, every single one of them is in dark shadowy colors.
Genevieve tries her best choosing a dress anyway, and as she reaches for it, I grab it out of her hand. “I need this in petal pink.” I tell the troll.
“Sorry, we don’t have that.” She blows the cigarette smoke into my face.
“Give. Me. A pink one.” I demand, taking a step closer to her.
