Page 10 of B is for Beast of Dean

"Do you prefer polite conversation to clearing stones?" Heath asked.

I laughed. "My father always said hard work builds character. Though I'm not sure this is quite what he had in mind."

"What changed your mind?” Heath asked gently. “About society life, I mean."

I had not bothered to share my past with the other girls, but I found myself wanting to answer Heath honestly. I felt compelled to share something of myself with this strange, kind creature who had saved my life.

"My father died in the war," I said quietly. "The book belonged to him. He loved poetry. He said it helped him understand the world better. My mother died when I was young, so it was just the two of us for years. After he was conscripted and killed..." I paused, gathering my thoughts. "London felt empty. I was living with my aunt and uncle, and they made it quite clear I was a burden. I needed something real, something that mattered."

Heath was quiet for a long moment. "I'm sorry," he said finally. "For your loss."

"Thank you." I glanced at him from the corner of my eye. "What about you? Have you always lived alone in the forest?"

"Not always." Heath closed the book carefully, cradling it in his large hands. "But for many years now. It's... safer that way."

"Safer for whom?"

"For everyone." His amber eyes met mine. "People fear what they don't understand, Alice."

"You don't seem frightening to me," I said.

His lips twitched like he was trying not to smile. "You're braver than most."

"Or more foolish," I said with a smile.

We stared at each other for a moment before Heath abruptly stood. “I should go.”

I nodded. “I should get back to work.” I sighed and began gathering my things.

Heath watched me, but he made no move to leave. "Alice..."

"Yes?"

"Thank you.”

I glanced at him.

“For the book,” he continued. “It's been... a long time since anyone gave me a gift."

The quiet sadness in his voice made my chest tighten. "You're welcome. Maybe we could discuss it sometime? I'd like to hear your thoughts."

Heath’s lips curved into a smile. "I would like that very much."

As I returned to work, Heath melted back into the forest shadows. But I could feel him there, watching over me. The thought warmed me more than the afternoon sun.

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