Page 62 of Cedarwood Cabin

I focus back on my painting and try to steady my thoughts.

I admire my painting as I stand back. I have created something beautiful again. The forest in front of me is now on my canvas. The colors stand out and it feels good to look at it.

After leaving the painting outside to dry, I walk into the kitchen. On the counter are brownies and they look too good to resist. I take one and eat it, savoring the rich chocolate flavor.

Fuck, that tastes good!

I grab another and Lyka walks into the kitchen as I eat it. His eyes are wide with shock.

“Fuck. How many have you had, Flora?” he asks.

“Only two. Why?”

Lyka shakes his head. Before he can respond, Dax walks in and bursts out laughing.

“Please don’t tell me they are out of date…” I start.

“They’re weed brownies,” Lyka replies, biting down on his bottom lip.

I accidentally swallow the last bit of brownie in shock. “Fuck. Shit. Fuck. Will I die?”

Panic sets in and I start pacing. I want to make myself sick.

Lyka face palms and Dax just sniggers. “You are not gonna die. However, you’re only meant to eat one. You’re in for a ride,” he explains.

A ride? What? Fuck! I’ve never done drugs!

Without hesitation, Lyka walks over to the plate, picks up two brownies, and eats them. Dax copies him, grabbing a couple and scarfing them down.

“Nothing to worry about. We’ll all be equally high,” Lyka says with a smirk.

Dax still looks amused. “Listen, just go with it. You’ll be fine,” he reassures me.

What he said does very little to ease my worries. I nod, trying to calm myself. “What will I feel? What should I expect?”

“You will feel super chill…Relaxed….You’re safe,” Lyka says.

I take a deep breath and mumble, “Okay…”

Lyka leans on the counter nonchalantly. “It's gonna take a while to kick in. About one to two hours.”

Dax shakes his head in agreement. “Don’t overthink. Just let it happen.” He walks over to the back door and steps out onto the balcony.

I look at Lyka and he just nudges his shoulder with mine, trying to reassure me.

“Fucking hell!” I hear Dax say loudly.

I walk outside on the balcony and see him standing there, admiring my painting.

“Damn. You can paint! This is amazing!” Dax exclaims.

I bite my bottom lip awkwardly and reply, “You think?”

“Yes. It’s beautiful. The colors and details. It’s something, flower.”

I blush, fiddling with my fingers as I bite my cheek. “Thanks...”

My parents come to mind as I look at the painting, standing there and daydreaming.

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