– What? Nonsense We were in the forest," Roxy countered.
– You were the first to set foot in it, and Thea and I were here for a while," Evie explained. – Right, Thea?
– Uh-huh," she mumbled. As before, so now, you couldn't get many words out of her. "And who are they all – just a bunch of losers!"
– Anyway, listen," Edol said, – there's no point in us staying here. We've got to go home – no, we'd better go to the police. They'll come and arrest these vile creatures.
– Yeah, and let them get what they deserve. Kick them, and kick them hard!" that thought didn't seem so stupid to Roxy.
– Let's get out of here before it gets dark," Evie was drawn toward the house, toward the chips on the shelf and the phone charger.
– Okay, let's go.
The four started back the way they'd come. Their journey had been almost useless, but now they had a purpose: to find and kill evil monsters. Better than cramming for algebra and geometry exams.
– People? Here? And who are they? " a worried Galya asked the butterfly, who had just returned from the Forest. – Of course, unless you mean those poor children…
– They were human youngsters. Four of them," sang the butterfly.
– I saw them. Apparently, they all went into the Forest.
– Yes. They're dangerous.
– You think so? I am not sure they're dangerous at all. People haven't come to our land for centuries. Except, of course, for the simple farmers. But they don't care about us.
– We could be in trouble. We could be attacked.
– By who? Children? Aren't they schoolchildren?
– There are adults.
– I don't know. I'll tell Louise.
– Louise is a child.
– She's going to be a Butterfly! The only one in the whole neighborhood.
– That won't happen for a while.
– Then forgive me, but what do you suggest?" it seemed Galya was beginning to lose patience. She didn't want to change the way things were and fight people instead of her and Louise's carefree life. The world had changed. Years and centuries had passed, and knights and kings had been replaced by programmers and designers. Of course, Galina was far from modern urban realities and generally the problems of existence, but now, and indeed, vigilance will not be superfluous. I'd have to send Louise on a little errand.
When Galina approached the house, she found the girl sitting on the doorstep with her arms around her knees. "Isn't she crying? I don't remember my Louise ever crying at all".
– Is everything all right?" the old woman asked timidly, stroking the girl's back.
– Yes, it's just…" she mumbled. – Galya, this is love…
– What? What are you talking about, honey? " Galina didn't understand. Louise is only twelve, and the time is definitely not yet right.
– The time has come, " Louise objected in response to these thoughts. – But there are no wings. That doesn't matter, though.
– Louise, wings have nothing to do with love. Nor with first love. Tell me, who is he?
– I don't know it myself, Mother. Our eyes met for only a few tiny moments. But I am different now.
– You've met a real human boy?
– He's Niels. That's his name.
– And do you need him?
– I need him badly.
– Do you? Well, I can't help you now. But here's what you're gonna do: Go to the border and cross the border into the City. There's a lot of streets – find a store on any of them and buy a newspaper. Bring it to me.
– Are you, uh… seriously? " the girl couldn't believe her ears. – I'm going to the City? To the people? That's unbelievable!
