Page 42 of Eat Me Alive
“It won’t be.”He says cryptically and just leaves me there with my mouth hanging open.
If I don’t get answers soon enough, I might just lose it.
The air hits different in the forest. It’s not dry and hot—it’s wet, musty, a warmth that drips down like blood. For a second, I feel like I’m inside a cavernous mouth, hugging sacs of fruitagain.
The trees bend and literally make a pathway for us. Datu crouches and I climb up his back.
“How long until we get there?”
“Five minutes,”he replies and jogs.
“What—you have altars just built all over the island?”
“This is one I built for myself.”
“Where are your walls? Doors?”
“I do not need any, I am protected by the forest.”
“Still doesn’t answer why you have an altar instead of a regular home.” I mutter, hugging his shoulders tighter.
“Humans have weak skin. You have been sheltered and you are now experiencing its effects.”
Touché.There’s a metaphor in that somewhere. “So is this just gonna turn into a bitter, resentful speech about how humans are shitty or are you answering why you have an altar?” There’s something off about everything. The others have homes. Huts. “Is it an ego thing?”
As soon as I say it, I know that’s not it. This is far more than an ego trip. Just then, he stops a few feet away from the steps of his altar. Stairs in the middle of the woods. It’s absurd.
“Are you prepared to learn the truth?”
I shift and wiggle. “I want to be on my feet for this.”
He sighs and lets me go.“I was enjoying your cunt pressed up against me.”
Igasp and smack him again. “Wash your mouth with soap!”
“Why? What happens when I use filthy language?”
“I-I don’t know! Social decorum, and stuff.”
He grimaces at me.“Really, Xiaoyu? Decorum in my forest?”Datu grins at me like I’d just challenged him.
“You are purposely derailing me. Answer my questions first. Why do you have an altar?”
“I like this. Tit for tat.I have an altar because people need a place of worship. This is mine.”
“Worshipping who?”
“Another question for another price,”he chuckles.
Infuriating man! I cross my arms over my chest. “What is it now?”
“You are so restrained that I want you to start cursing out loud. All the filthy words.”
Fuck. “Okay.” He gives me an expectant look and I release a tired breath. “Fuck yeah.”
“You have the most eager disposition,”he says dryly.“Smile, laugh, Xiaoyu. Human life is too short to be so grim and surly.”
Rubbing my hands over my face, I grab his arm and drag him toward the creek. “You still owe me an answer.”
