Chapter 87: Warmth Amid the Frost

I rummaged through the wooden dresser, pulling out a set of loose, comfortable clothes that were probably a size too big for Dave, but they would have to do. Holding them in my arms, I hurried back downstairs.

"Dave, I found some clothes!", I called out, knocking on the washroom door.

There was a moment of silence before he responded, his voice groggy, "Thanks, just leave them by the door."

I hesitated for a second, "Are you... okay?"

Another pause, "Yeah... just tired."

That much was obvious. He had practically dragged himself into the cottage, and now that the adrenaline was wearing off, he was likely at his limit. I placed the clothes by the door and stepped away, giving him privacy.

FWOO...

I let out a deep breath, rubbing my arms against the lingering cold. The icy draft from the tunnel still clung to the air, but I tried to push it from my mind. Dave was safe. That was all that mattered for now.

A few minutes later, the door creaked open, and Dave stepped out, his damp hair clinging to his forehead and the clothes I gave him slightly soaked.

"Vicki, I'm done.", he said as he walked out, using a towel to dry his hair.

He looked around for a moment before settling his eyes on me and – then he smiled.

I'm really glad he's ok...

I thought as I returned his smile.

He looked fresher, but his exhaustion and wounds seemed even more apparent now. The loose clothes made him seem even thinner, as if he could disappear at any moment and his icy fingers still made me nervous.

I remained still for a moment before frowning, "You need food."

Dave blinked at me, then let out a small chuckle, "I need sleep first."

"No, food first.", I grabbed his wrist, pulling him toward the small kitchen area, "You look like you'd crumble if I poke you."

"Not true...", he mumbled, but he didn't resist.

I pulled him to the couch of the living room and sat him down.

"Wait here! I'll go prepare something for you."

"Yes mam.", he spoke with groggy eyes, leaning back in the chair.

HMPH!

Dave chuckled, his tired eyes watching me as I stomped toward the kitchen area. It was a familiar feeling—him being submissive yet teasing and me being dominant but endearing. It was almost enough to make me forget about the horrors of the past days.

Almost...

CREAK!

I stepped into the kitchen and began rummaging through the shelves, searching for something easy to make. The ingredients here were plentiful but simple—flour, dried meat, a few root vegetables and many other sorts.

Marta must have been a really eager chef or was it Galter?

I chased away the stray thought, before picking up a small pot.

I'll make him warm soup...it'll be fast and give him warmth...

Back in the real world, I frequently dabbled in the kitchen with my mom, so cooking wasn't a new expertise for me.

TINK!

In fact, it gave me solace, reminding me of home; keeping me grounded in such a strange world.

FWOO...

"I'm really glad his back...", I mumbled softly as I stirred the boiling pot of soup.

Even though I had food, shelter and clothing, the three basic needs, I needed more.

Human beings were social animals by nature and thus, couldn't survive in isolation. We found strength and happiness in one another; it was how humanity has thrived throughout its existence.

As soon as the soup boiled, I took it off the furnace before pouring it in a ceramic bowl.

I may sound selfish but...am glad I have someone to talk to now, someone who I can draw strength from, someone who will listen to me without judgement...

CLINK!

I took a spoonful of the soup, bringing it to my lips to taste it.

Mmm...it's good...

Without further ado, I placed the bowl in a tray and took it with both hands, carrying it to Dave.

TMP. TMP.

I walked back to the living room, ready to serve Dave his meal but suddenly stopped.

I stared forward for a moment before my gaze softened.

HMPH!

So, he fell asleep huh?

Indeed.

Dave had collapsed straight into the leather couch, evident in his overt posture and evened breathing. His expression seemed oddly peaceful, like he hadn't had proper rest in a while.

With a gentle sigh, I placed the tray holding the steamy bowl of soup on a table before walking over to him and squatting.

My gaze was tender with a smile as I stretched out my hand and patted his head.

"Goodnight, Dave."

With that, I turned around and left for the master's bedroom, leaving him to the peaceful embrace of sleep.

...

TINK!

I gently placed the teacups into their saucers before moving them unto the tray, the brownish liquid within wobbling.

HMP!

I huffed slightly, as I stretched out to pick up two other plates; on them were steamy rolls of pasta.

"Mmm...", I hummed in a low tone as I took in the aroma.

Ah...they smell so good...

I leaned back with a gentle expression, "Marta and Galter really had such a homely place."

I said as my gaze wandered over to a corner of the room, where a cupboard and a magic circle rested – a cupboard that couldn't be opened and a magic circle that could summon food with a command.

It had served me tremendously well in the several days of this house and had also been the reason for my interest in the Art of Magic Circles.

Of course, there were still ingredients that could be accessed in the kitchen but rarely, do I use them.

I placed the two plates into the tray before letting out an exhale.

FWOO...

"Good...that should do it."

I picked up the tray with both hands and exited the kitchen.

Some moments later, I arrived at the dining table with the tray in hand.

"Dave...breakfast's ready!"

...

The world was dark...and cold.

It reminded me of horrible pain and a bitter memory.

Every time I recalled that memory, I felt a surging anger, wrath, but then I'd cool down with a deep breath.

Oh...did I say a bitter memory, no I meant two...

While the first memory fills me with unbridled rage, the second fills me with immense guilt.

It deeply reminded me of my weakness, my cowardice.

But that was fine...

I am a coward anyway...

"Dave! Breakfast's ready!"

I heard a voice call out from beyond the cold darkness, it was a voice I hadn't heard in days.

One that made me feel both rage and warmth.

It was Vicki.

AH...

For a moment, I felt paralyzed.

The scent of warm broth and freshly brewed tea accompanied the soothing feeling of comfort and safety. I hadn't felt it in a long time and thus, my mind was briefly frozen.

Oh...right...am in the cottage...out of the tunnel...

A low groan escaped from my lips as my eyes fluttered awake, my vision adjusting to the soft glow of morning light filtering through the window.

Argh!

My body ached, exhaustion clinging to me like a second skin.

Ugh...I need more sleep...

"Dave! Wake up! You have to eat!"

Too loud! You're gonna rupture my ears.

"Just five more minutes...", I pleaded, refusing to open my eyelids.

"And you die after five minutes? Hell no!", Vicki demanded, her voice adamant.

At this point, there was little hope in stopping her.

Argh...

I turned my head slightly, finding Vicki standing by the table with a tray of food. The sight of her, standing there casually as if nothing had changed, filled me with something I hadn't properly felt in a long time—comfort.

"You're up early.", I muttered, voice hoarse from disuse.

"And you look like you haven't woken up in years.", Vicki shot back, her hands on her hips, "Come eat before you collapse again."

I let out a breathy chuckle and sat up slowly, my body protesting every movement. My limbs felt lighter than before, but still ached with the usual silent pain.

As I approached the table, the sight of the meal made my stomach twist—warm pasta rolls, tea, and some extra servings. My mouth watered and my throat tightened.

"Y-you made all this?", I asked in slight disbelief, settling into a chair.

I knew she can cook but I didn't know she was this good...

"No, it magically appeared.", Vicki deadpanned, "Yes, I made it. Now eat."

I chuckled again, this time with more warmth, before picking up a fork. The first bite sent warmth flooding through my body and tears slowly gathered at my eyes.

It's good...

SNIFF!

I wanted to cry but held back my tears – I couldn't cry...not again.

"It's good."

"I know.", Vicki replied smugly, sipping her tea.

For a while, we ate in relative silence, the quiet only broken by the occasional clink of utensils against plates. I could feel Vicki watching me, her gaze flickering between curiosity and concern.

Well...let's not make this any harder...

"You gonna ask?", I said blandly, not looking up from my plate.

Vicki didn't respond immediately. She remained silent for a few moments before saying hesitantly, "I figured you'd tell me when you're ready."

Compassionate as usual...but am not ready yet...

I lingered for a moment before saying, "Thanks Vicki."

Vicki was silent again before saying, "Don't get sentimental now...just eat."

I chuckled lightly.

The warmth of the meal, the gentle atmosphere—it was fleeting, but after what I had experienced in that tunnel...it was something I desperately needed.

Truly...

I thought as I brought my cup to my mouth and sipped.

Wait...wha-

PFFT-!

I immediately spat out the liquid and cursed,

"What the fuck is this thing?!"