024

.

Ixora woke up in an unfamiliar bed, momentarily confused about her surroundings. Then, the memories of last night flooded back – she was in Jerald's room, on his bed. But where was he? How did she end up here? She distinctly remembered sitting in the chair, keeping watch.

The sound of the shower told her where he was now. She got out of the bed and headed straight to Berezira's room. The girl was still peacefully asleep, showing no signs of the nightmares from before.

In the kitchen, she found a well-stocked pantry with all the groceries they had bought at the market and more. She gathered what she needed and began making breakfast, humming softly.

After what felt like an eternity, she had prepared egg sandwiches. As she turned around, a stranger by the door made her jump.

"Damn, you scared me!" she gasped, her heart still racing. She looked at the stranger again, only to realize it was Jerald!

"Holy crap! Holy...Jesus Christ! Damn!"

"I take it from your look that I must really look