Chapter 6 Chapter 5 The Crowded Home

Although she was very tired after a busy day yesterday, Li Sha still read a book and stayed up late.When Lisa woke up to the crowing of Bruna's old rooster, Gard and Bruna were still asleep.She rubbed her cheeks, and found that the book had left a deep mark on her face. She originally thought that herbalists were helping people to connect bones and deliver babies. Only now did she realize how profound this knowledge is.Herbalists study everything in nature to find ways to mix the Creator's creations for the benefit of his people. Li Sha untied the ribbon that tied her hair, put it between the pages of the book, and then reluctantly closed the book, as if it was the "Kanong Jing".She stood up, stretched her limbs, added wood to the fire, and stirred the embers to rekindle the fire.She set up the kettle, then walked over to shake Gard awake.

"Get up, lazybones," she yelled in a low voice.Gard only groaned, but there was no movement.No matter what medicine Bruna gave him, the medicine was very strong. She shook it vigorously, and he waved her away, but still refused to open his eyes. "If you don't get up, you won't have breakfast." Li Sha kicked him with a smile. Gard groaned again, his eyes finally opened a slit.When Lisa stretched her legs to kick again, he grabbed her feet and pulled her onto the bed.He rolled over on top of her and wrapped her in his strong arms, and Lisa giggled under his kiss.

"Stop it," she said, slapping him falsely, "you're going to wake Bruna." "So what if you wake up?" Gard asked, "The old witch is over a hundred years old, and her eyes are as blind as a bat." "The old witch's ears still work." Bruna said as she opened a white eye. Gard screamed, jumped up, and quickly moved away from Lisa and Bruna. "Behave in my house, kid, or I'll make a pot of herbal tea that won't keep you from getting an erection for a year," Bruna said. Lisa looked at Garde so frightened that her face turned pale, she bit her lips tightly to hold back her smile.For some reason, she was no longer afraid of Bruna, and she liked admiring the way the old woman lectured.

"Did you understand?" Bruna asked. "Yes, ma'am," Gard replied. "Very well," Bruna said, "now use your strong arms to go out and get some firewood." Gard had rushed out the door before she could finish.Lisa smiled and closed the door. "It's an interesting picture, isn't it?" Bruna asked. "I've never seen anyone make Gard run that fast," Risa said. "Come closer and let me see you," Bruna said.Lisa does.She went on. "To be the healer in town, you can't just boil medicine. A strong threat is enough to subdue the tallest boy in town; make him think twice before hurting someone."

"Gard won't hurt anyone," Riza said. "It's what you say." Bruna said, but her tone sounded perfunctory. "Can you really make a drug that makes him unable to get an erection?" Lisa asked. Bruna laughed. "A year?" she said. "It can't be done with a single dose. But a few days, maybe even a week? It's as easy as putting a medicine in his tea." Lisa thought about it. "What's the matter, girl?" Bruna asked. "Worried he'll mess with you before marriage?" "I want to drug Steve," Liza said.

Bruna nodded. "It's fair to think so," she suggested, "but don't worry, your mother knows this trick well. She used to come to me when she was young, and wanted to use the help of a herbalist to control her periods so that she wouldn't get pregnant when she messed up. Evil species. I didn't see her tricks back then, and I regret to say that I taught her a lot of knowledge that shouldn't be taught." "When Mom and Dad walked into the house, Mom was no longer a virgin?" Li Sha asked in shock. Bruna snorted. "More than half the men in town slept with her until Steve kicked everyone out."

Lisa was quite shocked. "Mum publicly berated Clarissa when she was pregnant." Bruna spat on the ground. "Everyone accuses that poor girl. All hypocrites! Smit says the whole town is one family, but when his wife leads the townspeople to lash out at that girl as if she was lucky and married early, Or be smart enough to know how to take precautions." "Be prepared in advance?" Lisa asked. Bruna shook her head. "Ilona said nothing to you, all she wanted was to have grandchildren, did she?" she asked. "Tell me, girl, how do babies come about?"

Lisa blushed. "Man, I mean, your husband...he..." "Speak up, girl," Bruna said loudly, "I'm too old to wait for you to be shy." "He planted seeds in you," Lisa said, her cheeks even redder than before. Bruna laughed. "You have cures for burns and demonic wounds, but are coy when it comes to creating life?" Lisa started to speak, but Bruna cut her off. "Your man planted the seeds in your stomach, and then you can lie contentedly beside him." Bruna said, "But just like Clarissa learned the lesson, a man may not be able to get out of your body in time. out, smart girls know to come to me for tea."

"Tea?" Li Sha asked, not letting go of a single word. "Pam leaves, mixed with other herbs in a certain proportion, will be a herbal tea that will prevent the man-seed from taking root in your body." "But Pastor Michelle said..." Lisa said. "Don't read the Canon Classic." Bruna interrupted her, "It's a book written by men, and it doesn't consider women's feelings at all." Lisa immediately shut up. "Your mother used to come to me," Bruna continued, "consulting old remedies, helping out around the hut, and grinding medicine for me. I was going to take her as an apprentice, but the only thing she wanted to learn was pom tea. Secret. When I taught her, she left and never came back."

"Sounds like something she did," Liza said. "A small amount of pom tea is fine," Bruna said, "but Steve's got a lot of libido and your mom drinks too much. After the two of them have done it a thousand times, your father's business is booming." , so she took a fancy to his wallet. At that time, your mother's womb had been squeezed dry." Lisa looked at her curiously. "After marrying your father, Ilona tried hard to conceive for two years, but failed." Bruna said, "Steve married a young woman and impregnated her overnight. More impatient. Finally, she came back to me and begged for my help."

Lisa leaned forward, knowing that her whole life was related to what Bruna was going to say next. "Pam tea must be taken in small amounts," Bruna repeated, "and it's best to stop taking it for a period of a month to let your periods come. If you don't, you risk infertility. I warned Ilona, ​​but She is a slave to the lower body, and she can't listen to it at all. I used medicine for several months, observed her menstruation, and got medicine for her to add to your father's diet. Finally, she was finally pregnant with you." "Me?" Lisa said, "She's pregnant with me?" Bruna nodded. "I am very worried about you. Your mother's uterus is very weak and we both know she has no chance of getting pregnant again. She comes to me every day to check on her son." "Son?" Lisa asked. "I warned her she might not be the son," Bruna said.But Ilona was stubborn. "The Creator wouldn't be so cruel," she said, "to completely forget that the Trolls were created by the same Creator." "So I'm just a cruel joke of the Creator?" Lisa asked. Bruna stretched out her bony fingers and lifted Lisa's chin, pulling her to her eyes.While the old woman was speaking, Lisa silently looked at the cat's long gray hair around her mouth. "We choose who we are, girl," she said. "Let other people determine your worth and you lose, because no one wants others to be worth more than you are." Ilona made countless mistakes in her life. Decisions can only be blamed on herself and no one else, but she's too proud to admit it, and it's always easier to take it out on you and poor Ernie." "I hope someone will expose her lewd behavior and force her to leave the country," Lisa said. "Are you willing to sell your gender for personal grudges?" Bruna asked. "I don't understand," Lisa said. "It's not a sin for a woman to spread her legs when she wants a man, Lisa." Bruna said, "Herbalists don't judge people because of what people do according to their nature when they are young and vigorous. What I can't stand are those who break their vows." .Once the oath is spoken, girl, you better keep your oath." Lisa nodded. Gard just returned at this time. "Daxi came to take you back to town." He said to Bruna. "I swear I've fired that stupid sow," Bruna muttered. "The town council met yesterday and decided to reinstate me." Daxi said, pushing the door and walking in.She wasn't as tall as Gard, but about the same, and weighed a lot more than he did. "It's your own fault, no one is equipped to take this job." "They have no right to do that!" Bruna cried. "They have the right to do this." Daxi said, "I don't like this situation either, but you may die at any time, and the town needs someone to take care of the sick." "You're dead, but I'm not dead yet." Bruna sneered, "I will choose my apprentice myself." "Then I'll stay until you make your choice." Daxi turned to Lisa as she spoke, showing her white teeth. "Then use it a bit and go down to cook porridge." Bruna said, "Garde is growing up and needs to eat breakfast to replenish his strength." Daxi frowned, but still rolled up her sleeves and walked towards the boiling kettle. "When I get back to town, I'm going to have a good talk with Schmidt." Bruna murmured. "Is Daisy really that bad?" Lisa asked. Bruna turned her faint gaze to Gard. "I know you're stronger than a bull, boy, but I suppose there's more firewood out there?" Gard understood as soon as he heard it, and he rushed out of the gate in a blink of an eye. Soon they heard the sound of chopping wood outside. "Darcy's doing chores near the hut is enough." Bruna admitted, "She can chop wood almost as fast as your boyfriend, and the porridge she cooks is delicious. But those fat palms are too clumsy. Not suitable for treating diseases and wounds, and her talent in herbal medicine is limited. She has no problem being a midwife—any fool can pull a child out—she is also an excellent candidate for bone setting, but when faced with more complicated diseases, There's nothing she can do. If she becomes the town's herbalist, I'll feel sorry for the town." "If you can't even cook dinner well, you still want to be Gard's wife!" Irona yelled loudly. Lisa frowned. As far as she knew, her mother had never cooked a good meal.And I didn't sleep well for several nights, but the creator still didn't let her mother help. In the past few days, she has been helping Bruna and Daxi take care of the injured during the day.She was a quick learner, and Bruna used her as a model to guide Darcy.Darcy did not like this situation. Liza knew that Bruna wanted to take her on as an apprentice—the old woman didn't say so, but her intentions were clear.But she also had to take care of her father's paper mill.She helped out in the store from a very young age, writing messages and filling out forms for the townspeople.Her binding skills were better than his, and Lisa also liked to inlay petals around the paper. The ladies of Renekton and Lexenberg were willing to pay more than their husbands for white paper for this kind of paper.Ernie often boasted about her talent in this area. Ernie hoped that when he retired, Lisa would run the store and Gard would help with the menial tasks like making pulp.But Li Sha never had much interest in papermaking.She was diligent in helping, mainly to avoid her mother's harsh scolding. Ilona likes to manage money, but she resents the smell of lye and the sound of milling in pulp vats.The store is a common refuge for Riza and Ernie. Steve's heroic laughter attracted Lisa who was chopping vegetables.He was in the living room, sitting in her father's chair, drinking his father's ale.Ilona sat on the arm of the chair, put her palm on his shoulder, and leaned towards Steve, grinning. Risa wished she was a fire demon so she could spit a cloud of flames on them.She's been unhappy all her life being stuck under the same roof as Ilona, ​​and now Bruna's story haunts her - her mother only loved her father's money.She regarded her daughter as a cruel joke of the Creator, and when she got married, when her father carried her across the magic seal of the family, she was no longer a virgin.For some reason, she disliked her mother the most.Although Bruna said it was not a sin for a woman to enjoy a man's pleasure, she was still sickened by her mother's hypocrisy—and she had driven Clarissa away to cover her profligacy. I will not be like you.Lisa swears.She must follow the Creator's way and be a real woman in her new house. Ilona laughed shrilly at what Steve said, and Liza began singing to herself, trying to drown out their flirting voices—Liza had a crisp, sweet voice that Pastor Michelle had been trying to ask her to speak during his sermons. Sing. "Lisa!" her mother yelled after a short while, "Shut your beak, it's too much affecting our thinking!" "It doesn't sound like anyone is thinking," Liza muttered. "What did you say?" Irona shouted. "I didn't say anything!" Lisa replied innocently. After sunset, they began to eat dinner, and Liza watched with relief as Gard scraped off the third plate of her cooking with the bread she had made. "She's not good at cooking, Gard." Ilona apologized, "But as long as you pinch your nose, you'll still be full." Steve was opening his mouth to drink, and was amused to spray the wine out of his nose.Gard laughed at her father, and Ilona tore the napkin off Ernie's lap to wipe Steve's face.Riza turned to her father, but he kept his head down while eating; he said little when he came home from the shop each day. Lisa couldn't take it anymore.She cleared the table and went to her room, but that was no refuge either.She forgot that her mother had given up the room to Steve.Rude lumberjacks have trampled her immaculate house into mud, left her dirty boots by her bed and her favorite book on the floor. She yelped and rushed to her book, but the cover was covered with mud.Her limp lyson wool sheets were stained with something that smelled like sweat mixed with her mother's favorite Angels expensive perfume. Lisa felt sick.Clutching her precious books, she fled to her father's paper shop, weeping and wiping mud from them in vain. Gard found her at the paper store. "So this is your refuge." He stretched out his thick arms and embraced her in his arms. Lisa pushed him away, wiped away her tears, and tried to calm herself down. "I want to be alone." Gard grabbed her arm and asked, "Just because of that joke your mother made?" Lisa shook her head and tried to walk away, but Gard held her hand tightly. "I was just laughing at my dad," he said, "I love your cooking." "Really?" Lisa asked with a sob. "Really," he promised, pulling her in front of him and kissing her deeply, "that kind of food can feed a whole army of sons." Lisa chuckled. "I may not be able to squeeze out a whole team of little Gards." He hugged Lisa tightly and brought his lips to her ear. "Now, I just want to squeeze a little Gard into it." Lisa groaned, but still gently pushed him away. "Don't worry, we'll get married soon." "It was too slow to get married even yesterday," Galder said, but he didn't make things difficult for her. Liza curled up under a blanket by the fire in the living room.Steve took over her room, and Gard slept in a hammock in the shop.The floor was freezing cold at night and the wool carpet had a rough surface and was uncomfortable to lie on.She wanted to crawl back to sleep in her own bed, but there was no way to undo the sins Steve and her mother had committed in bed unless they set fire to it. She didn't even understand why Ilona bothered to make so many excuses, not that people couldn't see what she was doing.She simply told Ernie to sleep in the living room, and then dragged Steve to bed. Lisa really can't stand this family anymore. She couldn't sleep, she lay on the floor listening to the sound of the demon's testing sigil, and fantasized about running the paper shop with Gard—her father retired, and her mother and Steve passed away.Her belly was big and round, and Gard, who was sweating profusely, entered the store from the mill side as she kept accounts in the store.He kisses her while their kids run around the store. The image brought her some warmth, but she thought of Bruna's words and wondered if she might be missing something by dedicating her life to children and the paper business.She closed her eyes again, imagining that she was the herbalist in the logging depression, and everyone asked her to heal the sick, deliver babies, and heal the wounded—a beautiful dream, but it couldn't tolerate the existence of Gard and the child.The herbalist had to make house calls, and it was hard for her to imagine Gard going door-to-door with herbal bags and tools, or staying home to care for the children while she was at work. "I'm just here to go to the toilet." Gard whispered softly, and squatted down next to her. "There is a toilet in the store." Li Sha reminded. "Then I'm here to kiss you goodnight." He leaned forward and pouted. "You've already kissed three times in bed," Liza said, jokingly pushing him away. "What's wrong with doing it again?" Gard asked. "I don't think so." Lisa said and put her arms around his shoulders. Not long after, there was the sound of another door opening.Gard froze, looking around for a place to hide.Riza points to a chair.He was too strong to be completely concealed, but he might not be seen in the dim light of the fire. Soon, a dim light came from behind the door, shattering their hopes.Li Sha just lay back on the ground, closed her eyes, and the light had already spilled into the living room. Lisa opened her eyes wide and saw her mother looking at the living room.The leaves of the oil lamp in her hand were almost completely closed, casting a large shadow. As long as you didn't look closely, Gard would still not be easy to spot. They don't need to worry at all.After ascertaining that Lisa was fast asleep, Ilona opened Steve's door and disappeared behind the door. Lisa stared at the door for a long time.Ilona's infidelity to her husband was obvious, but before now, Lisa had never been able to accept that her mother would act like this behind her father's back. She felt Gard's hand on her shoulder. "Lisa, I'm sorry," he said, and she buried her face in his chest, crying softly.He hugged her tightly, suppressed her sobs, and kept shaking her to comfort her.There was a demon's roar in the distance, and Lisa wanted to scream with it.She suppressed the urge, wishing her father was still asleep and didn't hear Ilona's moans, but unless he gave him Bruna's sleeping pills, that was unlikely. "I'll take you away from all of this." Gard said, "Let's not waste time planning for the future. Even if I have to carry enough wood back with my own hands, I will build our house before the wedding." "Oh, Gard," she said, kissing him.He responded to her passionate kiss, throwing her down.The banging in Steve's room and the howling of demons outside were lost to the enthusiasm that erupted in her ears. Gard's hands caressed her body wantonly, and Lisa let him touch the places that only her husband could touch.Panting heavily, she arched her back in a rush of pleasure, and Gard took the opportunity to wedge himself between her legs.She felt him taking off his pants and knew exactly what he wanted to do.She knew she should push him away, but there was a void inside of her, and Gard seemed the only person in the world capable of filling that void. Just as he was about to push forward, Lisa heard her mother's lewd moan, and her body stiffened immediately.If she gave up her vow so easily, how could she be any better than Ilona?She had vowed to cross her own magic seal as a virgin on her wedding day.She swore never to be like Ilona.At this moment, she was throwing all that behind her, trying to mess with a boy so close to the place where her mother cheated. "What I can't bear is the one who breaks the oath." Bruna's voice came again in her mind, and Lisa pressed her hands against Gard's chest. "Garde, no, please," she whispered.Gard froze for a long time.Finally, he unwrapped her and refastened his belt. "I'm sorry." Lisa explained feebly. "No, I should be sorry," Gard said.He kisses her forehead. "I can wait." Lisa hugged him tightly, then Gard got up and left.She really wanted him to stay and sleep next to her, but the situation was critical enough just now.If Ilona found them sleeping together, she would not reflect on her fault and would punish her severely.Perhaps it was what she had done that made her punish all the more. When the door to the shop closed, Lisa lay back on the ground, thinking of Garde.No matter how much pain her mother brought her, as long as Gard was there, she would be able to bear it. The breakfast passed by in everyone's embarrassment, and the sound of chewing and swallowing was particularly loud at the quiet table.Everyone shut up wisely.Lisa silently cleared the table while Gard and Steve got their axes to work. "Will you help out in the store today?" Gard asked, finally breaking the silence.Ernie looked up for the first time all morning, interested in the answer to that question. "I promised Bruna to help take care of the injured." While speaking, Lisa looked at her father apologetically.Ernie nodded understandingly and smiled feebly. "How long are you going to help?" Ilona asked. Lisa shrugged and said, "Wait until they recover from their injuries." "You can't hang out with that old hag all the time," Irona said. "I went at your request." Lisa reminded her. Ilona frowned. "Don't play tricks on me—" Riza felt a rush of anger welling up inside her, but she smiled her most charming smile and threw the cloak over her shoulders. "Don't worry, mother," she said, "I won't drink too much of her tea." Steve snorted softly.Ilona's eyes widened.But Risa walked out of the house before she could recover from the shock. Gard walked with her for some distance, but when they reached the point where they joined the other lumber guilds, Gard's friends were already waiting. "You're late, Gal." Ivan complained. "There's a woman cooking now," said Flynn. "A man is late." "If he slept in her house again last night." Lun hummed, "I guess she didn't just help him cook, but did this dirty thing in front of her father." "Did Len guess right, Gal?" Flynn asked. "Did you find a new nest for your ax last night?" Lisa was furious, and was about to reply when Gard had already put his arm around her shoulder. "Ignore them," he said. "They're just trying to annoy you." "You can maintain my innocence," Lisa said.She knew that boys would fight over inexplicable things. "I will." Gard promised, "I just don't want you to see, I hope to maintain a gentle image in your heart." "You are very gentle." Lisa said as she tiptoed to kiss his cheek.The boys yelled strangely, and Lisa stuck her tongue out at them, then left. "Stupid child." After Lisa told Bruna what she said to Ilona, ​​Bruna murmured, "Only a fool would show his cards at the beginning of the game." "This is not a poker game, this is my life." Li Sha said. Bruna grabbed her cheek and squeezed it so hard that her mouth pursed in pain. "That's all the more reason to be cautious," she growled, her milky eyes widening. Lisa felt a surge of anger burning inside her.Who did this woman think she was to talk to her like this?Bruna seemed to despise everyone in town, arresting and beating anyone who didn't like her, and uttering threats.Is she really any better than Ilona?When she told Lisa what her mother had done, was she really thinking of Lisa, or was she just trying to make her her apprentice, like Ilona forced her to marry Gard as soon as possible so that he could have a son?Deep down, Lisa is happy to do these two things, but she really doesn't want to be forced to continue. "Okay, ok, look who's here." A voice came from outside the door, "Young genius." Lisa looked up and saw Daxi standing at the gate of the church, holding a pile of firewood in her hands.The woman made no secret of her jealousy for Liza—she could be as scary as Bruna whenever she wanted.Riza had been trying to show her affection, but the gesture of friendliness only made things worse; Darcy was determined not to like her. "Don't blame Lisa for your stupidity because of her guilt." Bruna said when Daxi dropped the firewood and raised the heavy poker to stir the fire. Lisa was sure that as long as Bruna continued to provoke, she would not be able to get along well with Daxi, so she buried herself in the medicine.Several patients who suffered burns from the attack had skin infections and required ongoing care.Others are still in dire condition.Bruna was woken up twice last night for first aid.As of now, her herbal and medical skills have not disappointed anyone. Bruna took over the Sept entirely, using Reverend Michele and the others as Milne's servants.She kept Lisa by her side, and kept explaining the condition of the wound and the medicinal properties of the herbs used to treat the disease with an ugly voice as if her throat was full of thick phlegm.Lisa watched her cut open the wound and stitch the skin, realizing that she was used to this sight. The morning passed, and when it was almost noon, Lisa had to force Bruna to stop work and have a rest for dinner.Others might not have noticed the old woman's rapid breathing or trembling hands, but Lisa saw it. "Enough," she said at last, snatching the mortar and pestle from the herbalist; Bruna looked up at her immediately. "Go and rest," Liza said. "Who do you think you are, girl, actually..." Bruna cursed, reaching for the crutch. With sharp eyes and quick hands, Lisa grabbed the crutch and pointed at Bruna's hooked nose. "You'll have an attack if you don't rest." She scolded, "I'm going to take you out, there's no need to discuss it! Stephanie and Darcy can take over for an hour." "Barely." Bruna muttered, but she still let Lisa help her up and led her away from the church.The sun hangs high in the sky, and the vegetation around the church is lush and green. Only part of the ground has traces of burning by the fire demon.Lisa spread out a blanket, helped Bruna to sit down, and took out her special herbal tea and soft bread that would not affect the old woman's few remaining teeth. They sat quietly and comfortably for some time, enjoying the warm spring air.Lisa felt that she was a bit too much, and even compared Bruna with her mother.How long had it been since she enjoyed some peace in the sun with Ilona?It seems that there is no first time, right? She heard a harsh sound and turned to find Bruna snoring.She smiled slightly, and covered her body with the old woman's shawl.She stretched her feet and found Sierra and Miley mending clothes on the grass not far away.They waved to her and made room on the blanket for Riza to sit. "What's life like as an herbalist?" Miley asked. "Very tired," Liza said. "Where's Brianna?" The two girls looked at each other and giggled. "In the woods with Ivan." Saila said. Lisa clicked her tongue. "That girl will end up like Clarissa sooner or later." Sierra shrugged. "Brianna said you shouldn't belittle a game you haven't tried." "Are you going to try?" Lisa asked. "You think you should wait until you're married," Sara said. "I thought so too, until Jack died at the hands of the devil. Now I would give up everything for the chance to have sex with him before he dies, and even for It doesn't matter if he's having a baby." "I'm sorry," Lisa said. "It doesn't matter." Saila responded sadly.Lisa hugs her, and Miley joins in. "Oh, that's so sweet," a cry came from behind them. "I want to hug too!" They looked up just in time for Brianna to rush straight at them and knock them down on the grass, laughing. "You're in a good mood today," Lisa said. "It's a good mood to have a good time in the woods." Brianna said, blinking, and lightly pressed Lisa's ribs with her elbow. "Besides," she changed the subject, "Ivan told me a secret!" "Tell us!" the three girls shouted at the same time. Brianna laughed and turned to Lisa. "Perhaps later," she said, "how is the old woman's new apprentice doing today?" "I'm not her apprentice, no matter what Bruna thinks." Lisa said, "After Gard and I get married, I will still manage my father's paper shop. I'm just helping to take care of the wounded." "Yeah, you're always better than me," Briana said. "Picking herbs seems like a chore. You look bad, didn't you sleep well last night?" Lisa shook her head. "The floor by the fire is not as comfortable as the bed," she said. "I don't mind sleeping on the floor if I can lay on Gard," Brianna said. "What do you mean by that?" Lisa asked. "Don't pretend, Lisa." Brianna said impatiently, "We are your girlfriends." Lisa is angry. "If you're implying..." "Stop pretending, Liza," Brianna said. "I know Gard did it to you last night, and I just want you to share your feelings with us." Sierra and Miley gasped.Lisa stared wide-eyed, blushing. "He didn't have sex with me!" she yelled. "Who told you that?" "Alvin," Brianna smiled, "he said Gard has been bragging all day." "Garde is a big liar!" Lisa yelled, "I'm not as unruly as you think..." Brianna's face darkened.Lisa gasped, and quickly covered her mouth. "Oh, Brianna," she said, "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean you..." "No, I think that's what you mean," Brianna said. "I think it's the most sincere thing you've ever said today." She stood up, patted her skirt, and her usual good mood disappeared. "Come on, girls," she said, "let's go somewhere with some fresh air and tell the stories I heard." Sierra and Miley exchanged glances, then turned to Lisa, but Brianna was already walking away, and they got up to follow.Li Sha wanted to speak, but was momentarily stunned, not knowing what to say. "Lisa!" She heard Bruna calling, and turned around to see the old woman struggling to get up on crutches.Lisa looked sadly at their leaving backs, then ran to help her. When Gard and Steve showed up on the path outside her father's house, Risa was waiting at the door.They talked and laughed, and the happy expressions on their faces made Lisa even more angry.She clenched the skirt with her hands, her knuckles turned white, and walked in front of them with big strides. "Lisa!" Steve laughed mockingly. "How is my future daughter-in-law?" He opened his arms, as if planning a warm hug. Lisa ignored his existence, went directly to Gard, and slapped him severely. "Hey!" Gard yelled. "Oops!" Steve laughed.Liza gave him her mother's stare.Steve held up his palms in a reassuring gesture. "Looks like you need to talk. I'll go first." He winked at Gard. "Pleasure comes at a price." He warned before leaving. Lisa turned to face Gard, and tried to fight again.He grabbed her wrist, twisted it hard, and said loudly, "Li Sha, stop!" Regardless of the pain in her wrist, Li Sha raised her knee and pressed it heavily between his legs.Her heavy skirt affected her movement, but this still made him let go of his palms and collapsed to the ground, his hands tightly covering his lower body.Liza kicked him, but Gard was covered in muscles, and his hands protected his vitals. "Lisa, what's wrong with you?" Gard gasped, and then he was kicked in the mouth again. Gard roared angrily, and when she raised her foot again, he immediately grabbed her, and then pushed her back vigorously.She landed on her back, the air in her lungs escaping, and before her breathing returned to normal, Gard rushed forward, grabbed her arm, and pinned her to the ground. "Are you crazy?" he yelled as she struggled on the ground.His face was flushed with pain, and tears flowed from his eyes. "How could you?" Lisa yelled, "Born by a devil, how could you be so cruel?" "Dark night, Lisa, what are you talking about?" Gard asked hoarsely, and the force on her body became heavier and heavier. "How can you?" She asked again, "How can you lie and tell everyone that you broke my body last night?" Gard was taken aback. "Who told you that?" He asked, and Lisa felt a glimmer of hope that maybe it wasn't Gard who was lying. "Alvin told Brianna," she said. "I'm going to kill that demon bastard," Galder yelled, backing away, "and he promises he won't tell." "So it's real?" Liza screamed.她用力顶起膝盖，加尔德在惨叫声中滚向一旁。她爬起身来，在他再度扑上前跑开了。 “为什么？”她大声质问，“你为什么要撒这种谎？” “只是砍树时闲聊，”加尔德呻吟道，“没有任何意义。” 黎莎一辈子没有对人吐过口水，但是她对他吐了一口口水。“没有任何意义？”她大叫，“你为了没有任何意义的事毁了我的人生？” 加尔德爬起身来，黎莎立刻后退。他举起双手，没有逼近。 “你的人生没被毁掉。”他说道。 “布莉安娜知道了！”黎莎高声回应，“赛拉和麦莉也知道了！明天全镇的人都会知道！” “黎莎……”加尔德开口。 “还有多少人？”她打断他。 "what?" “你还告诉多少人，猪头？”她尖叫。 他将双手插入口袋中，低下头去。“只有其他伐木工。”他说。 “黑夜呀！所有伐木工？”黎莎冲向他，双手朝他脸上抓去。他抓住她的手腕，大叫道：“冷静点！”他的手掌如同火腿般粗，使劲握紧，一股痛楚立刻沿着手臂袭来，让黎莎恢复理智。 “你弄痛我了。”她尽量以最冷静的口吻说道。 “这样好多了。”他说着减轻力道，但是没有放手，“这点痛还不能与你的一脚相提并论。” “你活该。”黎莎说道。 “就算我活该吧。”加尔德说，“现在我们可以静下心来谈吗？” “如果你放手的话。”她说道。 加尔德皱起眉，然后迅速放手，跳出黎莎踢人的距离之外。 “你愿意告诉大家你说谎吗？”黎莎问。 加尔德摇头。“不可能，黎莎，那样会让我看起来像个白痴。” “比我看起来像个坏女人好？”黎莎反驳。 “你不是坏女人，黎莎，我们有婚约；这不会让你变成布莉安娜。” “很好，”黎莎说，“或许我也可以撒点小谎。如果你朋友先前已经在嘲笑你了，你想要是我告诉他们你硬不起，办不了事，他们会怎么讲？” 加尔德一手握拳，微微扬起。“你不会想那样做，黎莎。我一直对你很有耐心，但是如果你散播那种谎言，我保证……” “而你就可以传播我的谎言？”黎莎问。 “这一切等我们结婚以后都不重要了。”加尔德道，“所有人都会忘记这件事。” “我不要嫁给你。”黎莎说完，突然感到卸下肩头的重担。 加尔德皱起眉。“你没得选择。”他说，“就算有人还想要你，无论是那个书虫约拿或其他人，我都会出面痛扁他们一顿，伐木洼地不会有人胆敢抢夺我的女人。” “好好享受说谎的乐趣吧。”黎莎说，在眼泪滴落前转过头，“我宁愿葬身黑夜，也不会让你得逞。” 当天晚上，黎莎忍着委屈准备晚餐。加尔德和史蒂夫发出的每个声音都像匕首般刺痛她的心。前一天晚上她还差点受不了加尔德的诱惑，几乎让他得逞。拒绝他令她心痛，但是她当时认为自己有权决定要不要献出自己的贞操。她从来没有想过他单凭片面之词就能夺走它，更没有想过他会这么做。 “幸好你最近和布鲁娜走得很近。”她的耳后传来一阵低语。黎莎迅速转身，发现伊罗娜站在面前，笑嘻嘻地看着她。 “我们可不想看到你挺着个大肚子结婚。”伊罗娜说。 黎莎后悔早上脱口说出药茶的事。她开口想要回嘴，但她母亲窃笑两声，在她想出该说什么前已转身离开。 黎莎在她的碗里吐口水，也在加尔德和史蒂夫的碗里吐口水。在他们吃饭时，她感到一股空洞的满足。 晚餐时间十分难熬，史蒂夫在她母亲的耳畔低语，伊罗娜不停咯咯娇笑。加尔德从头到尾都看着她，但黎莎拒绝回应他的目光。她将视线保持在碗内，和身旁的父亲一样愣愣地搅拌着碗中的食物。 似乎只有厄尼没有听说加尔德的谎言。黎莎对此心存感激，但是她也很清楚纸包不住火，因为他们对于谣言都津津乐道。 她尽快离开餐桌。加尔德待在座位上，但是黎莎能感觉到他的目光寸步不离。当他回到店内休息后，她立刻将门堵起，才终于松了一口气。 就和先前许多夜晚一样，黎莎在哭泣中入眠。 黎莎起床时还在怀疑自己是否睡过——她母亲昨晚又在深夜里拜访了史蒂夫，但在恶魔的喧闹声中听着他们的喘息，黎莎心中却只感到一阵麻痹。 加尔德在深夜时分也发出了声响，因为他发现房门被堵得异常严实。她冷冷一笑，听着他拉了几次门闩，最后放弃了。 当她生火煮粥时，厄尼过来亲吻她的额头。这是几天以来两人第一次独处。她不敢想象早已伤痕累累的父亲在听说加尔德的谎言后会有什么反应。以前他或许会相信她，但在妻子的背叛后，黎莎怀疑他心中还能保有多少对人的信任。 “今天又要去照顾病患？”厄尼问，看到黎莎点头，他微笑说道，“那样很好。” 黎莎说：“很抱歉我没有时间帮忙看店。” 他握起她的手臂，拉到近前，看着她的眼说道：“人永远都比纸张重要，黎莎。” “难道坏人也是？”她问。 “坏人也是。”他肯定地回答。他的笑容中有着痛苦，但回答却没有半点犹豫。“不管遇上多坏的人，每天晚上你还是能在窗外看见更糟糕的东西。” 黎莎开始哭泣，父亲抓住她的双肩轻摇，拨弄他的发丝。“我为你骄傲，黎莎。”他低声道。 “造纸只是我个人的梦想，魔印不会因为你选择另一条路而失效。” 她紧紧拥抱他，眼泪浸湿了他的衣服，说道：“我爱你，爸。不管发生什么事，永远不要怀疑这点。” “我不会怀疑的，我的小太阳。”他笑笑说，“我也一样，永远爱你。” 她继续拥抱父亲，父亲是世上最了解自己的人。 她趁加尔德和史蒂夫还在穿鞋时离开家门，她希望前往圣堂的路上不要碰到任何人，但加尔德的朋友已经等在门外，以口哨和嘘声看她的热闹。 “我们只是来确证你和你妈怎么把加尔德和史蒂夫留在床上！”伦大叫。黎莎气得满脸通红，但一言不发地推开众人，快步离去。他们在身后很夸张地哈哈大笑。 她觉得自己不是神经敏感——路上的人都以异样的眼光瞪她，并在背后交头接耳。她快步冲往安全的圣堂，但当她抵达时，史黛芙妮挡住门口，鼻孔大张，仿佛黎莎全身散发出她父亲造纸用的碱水气味让她厌恶。 “你在干吗？”黎莎问，“让我过去，我是来帮布鲁娜的。” 史黛芙妮摇头，轻蔑地说道：“我不会让你的罪孽玷污这个神圣的地方。” 黎莎抬头挺胸，整个人比史黛芙妮还要高上几英寸，但她仍觉得自己像是老鼠遇到猫一样。“我没有犯罪。”她说。 “哈！”史黛芙妮大笑，“全镇的人都知道你和加尔德的龌龊事情。我本来对你期望很高，但看来你终究还是遗传了你母亲的风骚。” “这是干吗？”在黎莎有机会回应前，布鲁娜沙哑的声音已从门后传来。 史黛芙妮转身，气焰嚣张地低头看向年迈的草药师。“这女孩是烂货，我不准她进入造物主的圣堂。” “你不准？”布鲁娜问，“难道你是造物主？” “不要在这个地方亵渎造物主，老太婆。”史黛芙妮说，“他的训诫清楚地写在经书中。”她拿起随身携带的包着皮革封面的《可农经》。“奸夫淫妇为世人带来瘟疫，就是在指这个小淫妇和她妈。” “你有她的犯罪证据吗？”布鲁娜问。 史黛芙妮微笑。“加尔德已经和很多人说了他们的事情。”她说。 布鲁娜吼叫一声，突然发难，一拐杖击中史黛芙妮的脑袋，将她击倒。“只听男孩大放厥词就认定一个女孩犯罪？”她叫道，“男孩子吹嘘的鬼话根本不能信，这种事你最清楚！” “所有人都知道她妈是镇上的婊子。”史黛芙妮轻蔑说道，太阳穴淌下一条血痕。“这只小母狗有什么理由与她妈不同？” 布鲁娜一拐杖刺中史黛芙妮的肩，令她失声惨叫。 “嘿！”史密特大叫，连忙迎上，“你打够了！” 米歇尔牧师气急败坏地赶来。“这里是圣堂，不是什么安吉尔斯的旅店……” “女人的问题留给女人解决，你们如果识相，就统统让开！”布鲁娜大声喊道，两个男人顿时气势锐减。她回过头看向史黛芙妮。“叫他们退下，还是要我公开你的罪行？”她语带恫吓。 “我没有犯罪，老巫婆！”史黛芙妮嘴硬道。 “这个镇上所有小孩都是我接生的。”布鲁娜压低音量不让男人听见，“不管外面怎么说，我的眼睛还没瞎到看不清楚手中的婴儿。” 史黛芙妮脸色发白，转身面对丈夫和牧师。“不要插手！”她叫道。 “我非插手不可！”史密特大叫。他抓起布鲁娜的拐杖，自妻子身上移开。“听清楚了，老女人，”他对布鲁娜道，“不管你是不是草药师，你不能肆无忌惮地殴打任何人！” “喔，那你太太就可以肆无忌惮地污蔑任何人吗？”布鲁娜大声问道。她自他手中抽回拐杖，对着他的脑袋敲去。 史密特向后退开，用手护住脑袋。“够了。”他说，“我已经够客气了。” 一般来说，史密特只有在动粗前才会说这种话。他身材不高，但身体很壮，而且多年以来累积了不少对付喝醉酒的伐木工的经历。 布鲁娜不是什么虎背熊腰的伐木工，但她看起来一点也不惧怕。她站在原地，等着史密特如同狂风暴雨般扑来。 “很好！”她叫道，“把我丢出去！自己去调药！你和史黛芙妮想办法治好那些不停吐血的恶魔感染病患！顺便帮其他人接生小孩！自己煮药！自己做火焰棒！你们何必在一个老巫婆面前忍气吞声？” “哦，说真的？”妲西问。所有人都转头看布鲁娜大步走到史密特面前。“我调药和接生的本事不比她差。”妲西道。 “哈！”布鲁娜说。就连史密特也怀疑地看着她。 妲西不理会她：“我想是换人的时候了。我或许没有布鲁娜那种超过百年的诊疗经验，但我不会在镇上作威作福。” 史密特轻搔下巴，看了布鲁娜一眼，后者只是冷笑。 “好哇，”她挑衅道，“我正好休息休息。但是等她缝了不该缝的，割了不该割的伤口后，可别跑到我的大门口来装可怜。” “或许该给妲西一个机会。”史密特说。 “那就这么办了！”布鲁娜说着举起拐杖狠狠戳着地板，“确保镇上所有人都知道该上哪去找药吃，感谢你让我退休后享受一份宁静。” 她转向黎莎。“来，女孩，扶老太婆回家。”她牵起黎莎的手臂，两人转身走向门外。 路过史黛芙妮身边时，布鲁娜停下脚步，扬起拐杖指着她，以只有她们三人才能听见的音量说道：“再敢污蔑这个女孩半个字，或是指控其他人，我就让全镇的人都知道你那些糗事。” 史黛芙妮恐惧地看着黎莎和布鲁娜朝她的小屋走去。 进屋后，布鲁娜立刻转身面对她。 “好了，女孩？是真的吗？”她问。 “不是！”黎莎叫道，“我是说。我们差点……但是我叫他停，他也停了！” 这说法听起来软弱无力，难以令人信服，她自己也很清楚，且十分惊恐。布鲁娜是唯一愿意为她挺身而出的人，如果连这个老妇人都认为她在说谎，她还不如去死算了。“如果想要的话，你……可以查查看。”她满脸通红地说道。她低头看向地板，忍住泪水。 布鲁娜咕哝一声，摇摇头。“我相信你，女孩。” “为什么？”黎莎问，“加尔德为什么要那样说谎？” “因为同一件事女孩子做了就会被赶出镇子，男孩子做了却会到处吹牛。”布鲁娜说，“因为男人会以他人如何看待自己那条摆荡的小虫来界定自己的价值。因为他是一坨屎，心胸狭窄、感情脆弱、愚蠢之极……” 黎莎再度开始哭泣。她觉得自己仿佛一辈子都在哭泣，一个人怎么会有那么多眼泪。 布鲁娜张开双臂，将黎莎拥入怀中。“好了，就是这样，女孩。”她说，“彻底发泄出来，然后我们再来决定接下来该怎么办。” 黎莎泡茶时，布鲁娜小屋里安静无声。天色还早，但她已经感到筋疲力尽。她要如何在伐木洼地中度过余生？ 来森堡据此只有一个星期的路程，她心想。那里有数千人，而且没有人听说过加尔德的谎言。我可以找到克拉莉莎，然后…… then what?她知道那些都不切实际。就算她可以找到愿意带她离开的信使，单是想到要在空荡荡的野外度过一整个星期就令她窒息，而且来森人都是农民，用不着阅读以及造纸的技能。或许她可以找到新的丈夫，但把自己的命运系在另一个完全陌生的男人身上的想法不能为她带来多少慰藉。 她端茶给布鲁娜喝，希望老妇人能指点她。但草药师什么也没说，只是安安静静地喝茶；黎莎蹲在她的椅子旁。 “我该怎么办？”她问，“我不能永远躲在这里。” “你可以。”布鲁娜道，“不管妲西多会吹嘘，她根本没有学会多少本事，而且我教过她的东西十分有限。镇民很快就会回来找我，乞求我出手救命。留下来。只要跟着我一年，伐木洼地的人将永远离不开你。” “我妈不会允许我留下来。”黎莎说，“她会坚持把我嫁给加尔德。” 布鲁娜点头。“她会坚持，她一直无法原谅自己没帮史蒂夫生个儿子。她一心指望你来帮她弥补错误。” “我不干。”黎莎说，“我宁愿葬身黑夜也不让加尔德碰。”她很惊讶地发现自己字字认真。 “这种说法非常勇敢，亲爱的。”布鲁娜说，但是语气中充满鄙夷，“为了一句谎言及对母亲的惧怕就结束自己的性命。” “我才不怕她！”黎莎说。 “你只是害怕告诉她自己不愿意嫁给摧毁你清白的男孩？” 黎莎沉默了半响，才点了点头。“你说得对。”她说。布鲁娜咕哝一声。 黎莎站起身来说：“我希望最好能解除婚约。” 布鲁娜什么也没有说。 来到门前，黎莎停步，转过头来。“布鲁娜？”老妇人又咕哝了一声。“史黛芙妮到底犯了什么罪？” 布鲁娜轻啜一口茶。“史密特有三个美丽的孩子。”她说。 “四个。”黎莎纠正。 布鲁娜摇头。“史黛芙妮有四个。”她说，“史密特只有三个。” 黎莎惊得双眼圆睁。“怎么可能？”她问，“除了圣堂，史黛芙妮从来没有离开过酒馆……”她倒抽一口凉气。 “教徒也是男人啊。”布鲁娜悠悠说道。 黎莎慢慢走回家中，仔细斟酌用字遣词，但到最后她知道修饰词汇没有意义。重点在于她说出反对嫁给加尔德时，母亲会如何反应。 到家时已经接近傍晚了。加尔德和史蒂夫很快就会从树林回来。她必须在他们回家前把架吵完。 “好了，这下你真成了明星了。”她母亲在她进门时刻薄地说道，“我的女儿，镇上的淫妇。” “我不是淫妇。”黎莎说，“加尔德在说谎。” “你自己合不拢大腿，休想把事情怪到他头上！”伊罗娜道。 “我没和他睡觉。”黎莎道。 “哈！”伊罗娜叫道，“别把我当傻子，黎莎，我也曾年轻过。” “这个星期你每晚都很'年轻'。”黎莎说，“而加尔德是个骗子。” 伊罗娜一巴掌将她打倒。“不准你这样对我说话，你这个小婊子！”她高声叫道。 黎莎躺在地上，心知只要自己一动，她母亲就会继续动手；她的脸颊火辣辣地生疼。 眼看女儿示弱，伊罗娜深吸一口气，仿佛冷静了一点。“无所谓。”她说，“我一直都知道你需要当头棒才能从你父亲高捧的掌心里摔下来。你很快就会嫁给加尔德，镇民迟早会厌倦传你的闲话。” 黎莎语气坚定。“我不要嫁给他。”她说，“他是个骗子，我不嫁。” “你非嫁不可。”伊罗娜说。 “不嫁。”黎莎说，“我不会念诵誓约，你没有办法逼我。” “我们走着瞧。”伊罗娜说着抽下身上的皮带。那是绑着金属扣环的粗皮条，随时都宽松地系在她的腰上。黎莎觉得她之所以系这条皮带纯粹是为了随时可以拿来打自己。 她迎向黎莎，黎莎惊叫一声，退入厨房，接着发现这是她最不该进入的地方；厨房只有一个出入口。 她在扣环划破衣服、割伤背部时大声惨叫。伊罗娜再度出手，黎莎不顾一切地撞向母亲。两人摔倒的同时，她听见房门打开以及史蒂夫的声音。同一时间，纸店的方向也传出询问的叫唤。 伊罗娜把握黎莎分心的时机，一拳打在女儿脸上。她转眼间已经爬起身来，但母亲的皮带再度抽来，却被史蒂夫强壮的手臂抓住。 “到底出了什么事？”一声喝问自门边传来。黎莎抬头看见父亲试图挤入厨房，却被史蒂夫强壮的手臂挡在门外。 “不要挡路！”厄尼叫道。 “这是她们母女之间的事。”史蒂夫笑着说道。 “这里是我家，你只是客人！”厄尼叫道，“给我让开！” 史蒂夫不让，厄尼动手打他。 所有人都停下动作。没有人看得出来这拳是否打痛史蒂夫。史蒂夫哈哈大笑，打破突如其来的沉默，随手一推，将厄尼甩入客厅。 “请两位女士私下解决你们的分歧。”史蒂夫说着眨眨眼，在黎莎的母亲再度动手前关上厨房大门。 黎莎躲在父亲纸店后面的小房间里无声哭泣，轻轻擦拭身上的伤痕和瘀青。如果手边有足够的药材，她可以好好治疗自己，但此刻冷水和布巾是她仅有的一切。 被打完后，她立刻逃入纸店，从店中反锁房门，就连父亲温柔的敲门声也不理会。清理伤口、包扎较深的创口后，黎莎蜷曲在地，于痛苦和羞愧中不断颤抖。 “初经来那天，你就嫁给加尔德。”伊罗娜保证道，“不然我就每天打你一顿，直到你嫁给他。” 黎莎知道她说话算话，也知道加尔德的谎言可以让很多人站在她母亲那边，赞成他们结婚，完全不理会黎莎身上的瘀伤。 我不嫁。黎莎对自己承诺道，就算葬身黑夜也不嫁。 就在此时，她的腹部传来一阵抽痛。黎莎哀号一声，顿时感觉大腿内侧一片湿润。她吓坏了，拿起一块干净的布擦拭，激动地祷告，但在她眼前，如同造物主残忍的玩笑，布上满是鲜血。 黎莎尖叫，她听见屋内有人回应她的叫声。 门上传来敲门声。“黎莎，你没事吧？”她父亲问道。 黎莎没有回答，惊恐地看着经血。前两天她不是还在盼望初经赶快来临吗？现在她看着经血，仿佛见到了地心魔物。 “黎莎，现在就打开门，不然今晚有你好受的！”她母亲尖声叫道。 黎莎不理她。 “如果在我倒数十下之前不打开门的话，黎莎，我保证我会把门踢烂。”史蒂夫沉声恐吓道。 史蒂夫开始数数，黎莎感到万分恐惧。她毫不怀疑他会一拳把门打烂。她冲向门边，悄声拉开门闩。 It was almost dark.天空一片深紫，最后一丝余晖将在几分钟内沉入地平面。 “五！”史蒂夫叫道，“四！三！” 黎莎深吸一口气，跑出家门。