14 Pie

"So where did you go?"

I looked up as I pushed the swinging door open and saw the 'kid' behind the kitchen counter. A delicious aroma arose as he opened the microwave oven.

"Sorry about just now. I thought I saw a spider at the door, so I freaked out."

"A spider? I didn't see one."

"Maybe I was so hungry that I started seeing things."

"Then you came back just in time. I warmed up the pumpkin pie for you."

"Pumpkin pie? I thought you had more bread for me."

"Bread? You're still asking for that when I brought you a delish pie? You should try something different instead of eating bread."

"Well, bread's my favorite, so forgive me if I was under the impression you had more of it. Anyway, I'm hungry as it is, so slice me a piece."

"Here you go."

The 'kid' handed me a plate, and without reservation, I dug into the pie.

I know I said previously that I wasn't a picky eater. I mean I could eat everything, but even I had my likes and dislikes.

My all-time favorite would be bread, of course. It could be hard or soft, sweet or savory, baked or steamed. I didn't mind not eating a proper meal as long as I had bread in my life.

Living here, I was exposed to a variety of foods, some I had seen before but many I had never even heard of.

What the hell was caviar or that pungent black moss that the chef called a truffle?

How could anyone eat it with that overpowering fragrance blocking their sense of smell? Food was supposed to smell like food, not something the younger sister bathed in every time I happened to stumble upon her.

I mean, did she not bathe? If not, then maybe that's why she flooded herself with the bouquet of flowers.

I liked flowers, but there was something wrong with her scent. It felt so unnatural.

"So how is it?"

The 'kid' looked at me with his bright green eyes. I hadn't gotten a good look at him before, so I wasn't aware that he possessed such a vibrant eye color.

Unlike the family, whose eyes were of a greyish silver undertone, his were completely different. In terms of color as well as how he looked at me.

I didn't recognize the expression. I had never seen it on anyone who looked at me, but it felt familiar. I just couldn't remember where or when.

"The pie? Does it taste nice? It's actually my grandmother's recipe."

"You made it?"

"Yup. So how is it? Do you like it?"

"It tastes great!"

I lied. It tasted horrible.

Even my slice of bread with no spread or jam was better than this. I faked a smile as I tried to force the pie down my throat.

"Do you want another slice?"

"Oh, I think I'm full now. Need to save some space for lunchtime."

I poured myself a glass of orange juice, hoping to wash the taste away.

"Then maybe I should pack up some for you to eat later."

"....Okay."

Why? I just wanted more bread. Was it that difficult to get me some? 😫

As Felix busied himself packing up more of the pie, I couldn't help but feel a mix of frustration and curiosity. Why was he being so nice? What did he want in return?

"Hey, Felix," I called out, trying to keep my tone casual. "How come you're so interested in making sure I eat?"

He looked up, his green eyes sparkling with sincerity. "Because everyone needs to eat well. And besides, it's nice to have someone to share my food with."

I nodded, unsure of what to make of his answer. It was genuine, but I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to it. "Well, thanks for the pie," I said, taking the packed slice from him.

"No problem," he replied with a grin. "I'll see if I can get you some bread next time."

"Please do," I said, smiling back despite myself. "You'd be my hero."

Felix laughed, the sound light and carefree. "I'll see what I can do."

As I left the kitchen, I couldn't help but feel a bit more at ease. Maybe Felix was just a kind kid after all. But for now, I still kept my guard up, because in this place, you never knew what might happen next.