Under the Oak Tree Finished

time: 1:42pm	interacting with:
date: September 7th, 2025	@Flame Afterglow

Scarlet's eyes darted to the girl's face who stood in front of her. The first thing she noticed was her bright green eyes. She had always been envious of those with such exquisite eyes, while she just had plain old brown. While the girl was tall, she seemed to be the same age as Scarlet, so maybe a First-Year as well. The girl smiled down at her before saying, "Hi, my name is Flame, and that is my spot." Scarlet felt embarrassed and immediately scrambled to get up. The last thing she would want is to get in someone's way or cause Flame to leave. When she got up, she pointed to where she had been sitting and said, "Here, please take the seat. I can find another tree to sit under. It's no worries."

As Scarlet blurted this out and rambled on, she noticed a purple notebook in Flame's hand. How interesting that they both had the same idea, to write in nature. This piqued Scarlet's interest and gave her enough courage to ask, "What are you writing, if you don't mind me asking?" Feeling like she might have overstepped, she adds, "I only ask because I too was writing in my own notebook, here." Scarlet raises her notebook to show Flame. "Sitting outside just provides me with so much inspiration, and I couldn't help myself."

time: 1:45 pm	interacting with:
date: September 7th, 2025	@Flame Afterglow

"Oh I am just writing a story. Do the words School, Unicorns and bad guys mean anything to you? How about you? What are you writing in your notebook?"

Wow! Scarlet thought that this girl's story idea sounded quite intriguing. She had always loved a fun story, which is exactly what it sounded like Flame was writing. Scarlet wanted to think over her words very carefully before replying, but before she could say anything, Flame continued. "Sorry about before, sometimes I sound rude without trying to be. We can sit here together if you would like." Instantly, Scarlet's face brightened. So far, she had only talked to one other girl at school, so she jumped at the opportunity to join this girl.

"I would love to sit here with you! By the way, my name is Scarlet. And don't worry about before, I tend to get very awkward when I first meet someone, I promise I didn't think you were being rude. As for your story, it sounds like something I would be very interested in! I am writing a story as well, however, not as imaginative and creative as yours sounds. I tend to write more short stories, usually involving a mystery of some sort. If not that, then I just jot down some observations about either where I am or what I see. I like to look back at them and try to imagine the time and place again. That probably sounds silly." Scarlet slouches down next to the tree, beginning to think she said a little too much to this stranger.

time: 1:48 pm	interacting with:
date: September 7th, 2025	@Flame Afterglow

Scarlet felt dejected and was worried that the girl was going to leave. She has always felt that her awkward rambling scared people away. She wouldn't be surprised if she looked up and the girl had fled. All of these thoughts rushed through her head until she heard her name.

"Hello, Scarlet!"

Scarlet looked up and saw that the girl had her hand out. As Flame continued talking, she reached out her own hand and gave her a high five. Scarlet felt at ease after hearing that Flame wanted to be friends with her and listened intently. The girl went on to say that she thought that her writing ideas sounded smart and that she likes to imagine scenes and characters as she writes. Lastly, she adds that she would like to read some of Scarlet's stories sometime. That sent a pang of fear through Scarlet. Even her parents and brother weren't allowed to read anything she wrote.

"Oh and by the way. Maybe we could write something together at some point?!"

This made Scarlet's fear turn into excitement about the prospect of a new friend and cowriter. Maybe it would be fun to try to write something with another person, she had never done that before. She had also never shown anyone her writing, but there is a first time for everything.

"I would love that! And I think that this could be the start of a great friendship!"

time: 1:50 pm	interacting with:
date: September 7th, 2025	@Flame Afterglow

As Flame sat down next to Scarlet, Scarlet felt a wave of fear again. It had nothing to do with Flame but rather Scarlet's anxiety. She really wanted this girl to stay, but her past told her to be wary. No one ever stuck around besides Scarlet's family, so why should Flame?

Flame reached into her pocket and pulled out a bag of cookies, offering one to Scarlet. Scarlet grinned and gladly accepted one of the cookies. As she ate, she listened to Flame talk.

"Do you like to bake? I really like baking! I also read, write, draw, and play Soccer!"

Within seconds, Scarlet noticed Flame's excitement die down, and she began apologizing and explaining that sometimes she hurts other people's feelings. Scarlet wanted to chime in and let her know that this was not the case at all!

"No, please don't worry, Flame. I was happy to hear you talk! I've always been more of a listener, so you never have to worry about talking too much to me! As for the questions, I have never baked before, but I would love to try it out. Maybe you could help teach me! I am also interested in reading, writing, and drawing. I'm not that great at drawing, but that doesn't stop me from trying, haha. I like Soccer, but I wouldn't say that I am knowledgeable about the sport. My brother and I played baseball more, but I would love to learn more about the sport if you'd like to tell me."

As Scarlet spoke, her fear disappeared again. It was clear that Flame was also eager to be friends with her, and that made her feel more comfortable.