Love Me Back (Amelia and Daniel) novel Chapter 297

The line of children eager to see the animals inched forward, and Ruby shuffled along with them, falling silent as she moved.

The weather was beautiful and it was the weekend, so the zoo was bustling. In the crowd, Violet blended right in, tagging along with the kindergarten group, occasionally making small talk with Ruby.

Out of politeness, Ruby answered when she could, but whenever Violet’s questions touched even slightly on personal matters, Ruby clammed up, lips pressed tight, refusing to reveal a single word more than necessary.

When they reached the ostrich enclosure, the teacher announced that the kids could try feeding the ostriches. The braver ones were practically bouncing with excitement. So many wanted a turn that they had to line up to get food from the teacher, who would then supervise the feeding.

A long line stretched out in front of Ruby.

Violet crouched beside her, holding up a bag in her hand, coaxing, “Ruby, I’ve just bought some food and I have the feeding tools too. Let me take you to feed the ostriches—no need to wait in line.”

Ruby hesitated, not agreeing right away.

Violet pressed on, “Look at all those people ahead of you. By the time it’s your turn, the food might be gone. Wouldn’t that make all this waiting a waste?”

Underneath her little yellow cap, Ruby’s eyes stayed wary. But the kid standing behind her couldn’t hold back anymore and blurted, “Can I feed them with you?”

Before Violet could respond, Ruby gently pushed down the other child’s hand. “Let’s just wait for our turn. The teacher will help us.”

Some of the warmth faded from Violet’s smile. “Ruby, you act like you’re afraid of me. I’m not a bad person. I just had a misunderstanding with your mom and wanted to apologize. The food for the animals is just my way of making it up to you, okay?”

“……”

“Don’t you think I look a little like your mom? Would someone who reminds you of your mom really be a bad person?”

The ostriches froze for a split second, then all turned their attention to this strange new visitor. Spotting the food bag clutched in her hand, they flapped their wings and charged at her in a feathery stampede.

“Aaaaaah—!”

When you’re suddenly surrounded by creatures twice your size, fear is inevitable. Violet screamed, panic making her movements frantic and clumsy as she tried to dodge the flock, but she had no idea where to go.

The ostriches surrounded her, pecking wildly at the food, their beaks coming down like a hailstorm. Violet shrieked in terror. Staff came running, and someone in the crowd finally shouted, “Are you stupid? Throw the bag! If you throw the food, they’ll stop pecking you!”

A few people couldn’t hold back their laughter, and soon the giggles became contagious. More and more joined in until the whole area was echoing with amusement—everyone agreed their ticket price was well worth it today.

Even Ruby couldn’t help but laugh a little. Violet looked absolutely ridiculous.