Page 38 of Lonely Orcish Girl

Katuri chuckled. “No, actually, her problem isn’t that serious. I told her which herb to use to get rid of it. But she apologized, Reed! And it seemed genuine!”

“That’s very out of character for her, I must admit. Martha isn’t a bad woman, but she’s as stubborn as a mule. For her to apologize means she must have felt she crossed a line yesterday.”

“Yes! But it also means I have a real chance here, Reed. Even people who were skeptical, if not openly hostile, are coming around, accepting me. I’m so happy,” Katuri pulled him into a hug.

Reed held her close, gently stroking her back. They stayed like that for a long moment, his heart swelling with emotion, knowing he had to finally confess everything he felt. He raised his head and touched her chin.

"I love you, Katuri," he said as seriously as he could, looking directly into her eyes.

The orcess gazed at him, surprised, and let out a soft gasp. She was silent for a moment, and Reed feared that she didn’t return his feelings or believe in the sincerity of his confession. But his worry lasted only a moment as two large tears rolled down her cheeks, and she smiled as if relieved.

"I love you too, Reed," she whispered, raising her hand to touch his face. Her thumb caressed his cheek tenderly. She cleared her throat. "Those are the most beautiful words I've ever heard."

Reed thought the same thing but couldn't find the wits to sum it up, so he decided to remain silent. The moment was too magical to spoil with clumsy speech. He wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his head on her shoulder.

He tried to take in everything that had happened. He, an orphan with a broken heart, had found love at the most unexpected time and place. She, exiled from her tribe, had made history repeat itself by doing almost exactly what her father had done. When Reed thought about it, he couldn't help but feel that it truly was their destiny.

Katuri hugged him too, and he felt the cold of her bracelet against his neck. His thoughts went back to the piece of jewelry, remembering the engraving on her former bracelet.

Lonely… She's not lonely anymore. And neither am I.She is loved.

And with that thought and a sense of deep happiness, Reed stood on his farmyard, hugging the woman he had chosen. Their future looked as bright as the morning sun.

THE END

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