Chapter "Feasts And Falls"

Later on, Hamlyn lay alone in his camp with his eyes closed, though he wasn't sleeping.

"Can I come in?" Sheryl's voice called from outside the camp, prompting Hamlyn to quickly open his eyes. "Yes, come in," he replied.

Sheryl entered, holding a bowl. They exchanged smiles as she settled next to Hamlyn.

"I brought you miso ramen," Sheryl said, her smile beaming.

Hamlyn smiled and straightened up. "Did you make it yourself?" he asked.

Sheryl grinned, picked up some noodles with her chopsticks, and offered them to Hamlyn. "Why don’t you taste and see?”

Hamlyn took a bite, savoring the noodles with a contented smile as Sheryl watched him, her own smile broadening.

“It’s definitely your handiwork,” he declared with a satisfied nod.

Sheryl's smile broadened as she offered another mouthful of ramen to Hamlyn. “You’ve got it exactly right,” she said. Hamlyn returned the smile and enjoyed another bite.

“Where’s everyone else?” Hamlyn asked between bites.