English Version: Sands & Sparrow

44

Margo awoke amidst bermudagrass, dotted with tiny daffodils, their soft, feathery pollens frolicking in the air, carried by a gentle breeze that ruffled their petals. Around her, little butterflies flitted lazily across the lush grass, dipping their tiny feet into sunflowers. Above, the sky stretched blue, with clouds bouncing across it like dancing sheep. Basking in the sun's yellow rays of glory, she inhaled the freshness of the air.

Footsteps approached her.

Aveline sat next to her, lowering her head to block the sunlight from her face. "Do you like sleeping here in the garden?" she inquired, brushing the hair from Margo's forehead and surveying their surroundings. The garden was a testament to tranquility, with bonsai trees lined along the pathway and a small pond at its center, adorned with blooming lily pads.

"I like it here. It relaxes me," Margo replied, her eyes mirroring the grass's hues as she opened them. "It's the best place to sleep outside your house."

"Margo," Aveline whispered softly, her fingers tenderly caressing Margo's hair.

"Yes?" Margo replied, her eyes still closed, enjoying the soothing touch and the breeze that gently caressed their skin.

"What are the things you don't like about me?" Aveline's question came lightly, curious yet apprehensive.

"Are you asking me to point out your flaws?" Margo clarified, slightly opening her eyes.

"Yes." A hint of nervousness touched Aveline's voice as she lightly dabbed her brow.

"Hmm...let's see." Margo opened her eyes fully, adopting a thoughtful frown.

Aveline couldn't help but snort in amusement. "Wow, am I that bad? You're going to make a book out of the list of my flaws," she joked, her laughter blending with her words as she tapped her legs invitingly. "Lie down here." Margo complied, using Aveline's lap as a pillow while Aveline gently stroked her hair, weaving her fingers through the long strands.

She gently squeezed Aveline's thigh and smiled. "Well, for starters, you're too stubborn."

Aveline rolled her eyes and chuckled. "I always listen to you. I'm not that hard-headed."

"You always steal from me," Margo reminded her.

"I just love to steal kisses from you," Aveline admitted with a blushing face, recalling the scene where she first met Margo.

"You always ruin the things that I've fixed," Margo complained, softly pinching Aveline's nose, eliciting laughter and showcasing her dimpled cheeks. "You're too organized. Besides, you look cute when you're annoyed. I like making fun of that serious face of yours." She managed to squeeze Margo's nose. "Hey!" Margo lifted an eyebrow and lightly poked Aveline's cheek. Aveline quickly stole a kiss, leaning closer and gliding the tip of her nose across Margo's cheek.

"What about me? What are my flaws?" Margo whispered.

"Hmmm...you have a lot on my list," Aveline replied, looking at the sky as if searching for an answer.

"Am I that bad?" Margo scrunched her face in annoyance. Aveline joyfully laughed, the wind brushed a few strands of her hair while the sunlight filtered through the gaps in the branches and leaves, creating tiny spotlights that danced merrily on the ground.

"You're quick-tempered and easily annoyed. But you're the only one who can melt me with your green eyes. God, it's so cheesy, but it's true," she lazily twirled her finger around the softness of Margo's hair.

"You're moody. Sometimes you're serious; sometimes you look like you want to kill anyone that comes your way," Aveline added with a giggle.

Margo scowled. "And you find that funny?"