Touji was situated at the foot of a square table, the parents at the head opposite him, and the two young men on one side with the girls on the other. Touji kept looking around the room trying to figure out how he was supposed to eat, (as in manners).

What would be socially acceptable? Do you eat with your hands? Or do you eat with those strange spork/knife-looking projectiles sitting in the middle of the table? Is it rude to slurp? Where are the damn chopsticks?

While he was still contemplating his next course of action, Derra brought out two plates of steaming food.

"Here you are, dear." The mom said while laying a wooden plate in front of him. "Please, help yourself."

"Thank you." He glanced once more around the table. The two sons had taken the strange utensils from the middle and began to utilize them. Touji copied them as best he could. His hands were shaky from nervousness which led each mouthful to be a risky business.

“But I didn’t even drink coffee today!”

“Excuse me?”

“Nothing.”

As Touji dug into the meal he noticed he was eating something that looked similar to rice balls. They were filled with vegetable matter and covered in a light brown sauce.

"Um, Excuse me, but what is this?"

Everyone turn their heads around at Touji's question.

"Never mind."

"It’s khimigy. You know?" Derra replied.

He nodded, pretending to understand.

"So Touji. Are you going to stay with us a bit longer?" Claria asked.

A smug look immediately appeared over Derra’s face as she pretended to not notice any context to this inquiry.

"Yeah, about that. I might not have a place to stay for a while. Would you know of somewhere which doesn't cost any money?"

"In a tree would be my first thought." The brother answered.

-Thank you for your valuable input. I will keep that in mind. I will also remember who’s mouth that came from.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"Well..." The dad answered, "I can't offer you a place for free, but you can stay here a while and work for me. How does that sound?"

"Hmmmm. I mean I wouldn't want to bother you. But I'm in a bit of a fix right now. But if that's alright, I would love to, at least... for a little while."

"Great!" The dad exclaimed as he stood up. "I've been looking for some help clearing some land out back and the boys are too busy taking care of the livestock. You'd be a great help."

"I hope I can.”

The table once again fell silent.

-What is this feeling? Why did it suddenly get quiet? And why is nobody looking up from their plates? Oi, you’re scaring me.

The parents glanced at each other and nodded.

"All right then, Mr. Touji, don't you have something you wanted to ask me?" The father inquired.

"Hmmmm. I mean maybe, don't know of anything too important. But if you're daughter would be willing to teach me a few things I'd appreciate that. Like that spell of yours. Would be nice to learn something new. That and um, well... let me see."

"Are you trying to avoid the question?"

"What question?"

-Heh! When did this turn into an interrogation? I take it back. Y’all freak the hell out of me.

The old man placed his hand on his forehead in dismay.

"Do I have to spell it out for you?"

-Don't exactly know what there is to ‘spell’ since your daughter is the only one capable of such a feat, but be my guest.

"Can I marry your daughter? That's it."

"Oh yeah, I completely forgot- excuse me?!"

-Huh! You want to marry my what? Is this where we bring the time travel spoiler where the man falls for his daughter in the future? Bro, that’s way too early.

"That's what you were going to ask me, wasn't it? It's why you came in the first place."

-Eh? What did I miss? Why am I only finding out about this now?

He looked frantically around the room till he caught the eye of Claria. She quickly turned away trying not to make eye contact.

-Aaaaaaah! What the heck! Are you serious? Ok, time to fix this.

He stood up from his seat and lightly yet aggressively placed his hands on the table.

"Let me clarify. I'm a lost little boy looking for a place to stay and something to eat. Marriage is not super high on my priority list. Dinner is most important, and sleep is next. I'm not sure where this marriage misunderstanding started, but I had no such intention from the get-go. Your daughter is quite pretty, and I regretfully decline. Also, I'm sixteen."

The two brothers burst into laughter.

-Looks like my age means jack-all to them.

"That sounds like a confession to me. What do you think dear?" The father asked turning to his wife.

-I'm feeling coerced.

"I think he's a gentleman of a sort. The fact that it wasn't his intention just proves that point."

-Hey, hold your horses. I don't like where this conversation is going.

"I'm sorry, Touji. I didn't mean to get the wrong impression." Claria interjected apologetically. "It's just when you started asking quite a few personal questions, then asked to speak with my father I just assumed..." The girl began to nervously tap her index fingers together.

"Listen here young lady. First of all, don't just pick up a random guy out of the woods and bring him home with you because he's asking personal questions. That's actually probably the worst thing you could do."

"But you’re not a bad person. You're very kind and respectful."

"You know what? I'm tired. Let's call it a day, shall we? If you feel like talking tomorrow, then we'll talk. Otherwise, I hope you have a goodnight." Touji stood up and began to exit the room.

"Wait! Do you know where you are sleeping?"

"On the sofa unless that bothers anyone."

-Let’s just hope they have a sofa.

"Looking forward to working with you." The old man called out as Touji’s shadow disappeared from around the corner.

"Old man, you’re making me blush." He turned into the living room and laid down on the wooden bench with red cushions laying across it’s base. It wasn't very soft, but it served its purpose. He was asleep in minutes.