a!” I bellowed at my grandmother who

ked the small first-aid kit: the towel, the white linen, the antiseptic, t

ys?” My grandma asked in a calming voice, but

ld days, Mamita! For your good health, I shall be gather

eck, I caught up on the day's headlines from t

rd is on

ry!’ I told mysel

idy!

en both of my feet already reached a distance from our abode, I laughed at her chagrined expression before ye

her have already departed from this world and into the next—dead, in si

eir graves are just within the castle’s perimeters. It's huge for the two of us to be livin

pups in our backyard so it wasn’t a problem

me in the cabin. It's a long walk from where

izzard, I made it to my de

“God! This freezing weather nearly killed me but I had to come because I know how much you needed

y gloves and put the

ng eye gazed into my eyes as if telling me I was completely insane for a perso

kay, honey. Mommy's here," I crooned, stroking his cheek. I discovered him in the cabin last week. He seemed to be almost dead

e his injuries. I think his condition has not improved y

e not even yours to worry about,’ my own th

I selected only the freshest pears left that weren't yet destroyed by the storm. My grandma is the only living relative I have,

Hence, I didn’t earn another set of scolding from her. We spe

*

the following day in a

... where did he go?" My eyes darted around the de

red dog

xiously beckoning him to come out wherever the hell he

o!” I

ally dead, whe

n to water. Then, before I could stop it, trepidation cre

on it calmly. And it

lamming my basket r

my lungs. Nothing covered his naked body. Although I’m already

voice to remain unbothered

forest-like ember green. His thick lips are lined thinly; his long, curly hair is untidy. And his nos

forgot everything I had seen in front of me and just

and muscula

issors. The man is in critical condition. I just couldn't l

, causing the scissor I was holding to fall to the hard wooden

our chest. It must be

,” the man said firm

ut

, child! Get

will

hair on my skin rise. “My pleasure, then.

r to treat his wounds. There's a staring competition between us. My breathing becomes la

. let me just..." and looked straight

firm. However, my instant reaction upon brushing against his han

same way, but his outward demeanor belied his emotions. “Simply l

conviction in my tone. “No, yo

our co

crossed my arms. “You’re l

Then, with a snarl, he cast his gaze to my breasts. Facing the reality

to say that. Both times

was on the verge of tears. "I j

ted from me. “And this idiot commands you to leave.” His finger p

I can heal thos

meet my gaze. “If we don't giv

me again. “

ized the

ed a finger at his face at the top o

chuckle. Once, twice. Until he’s laughing hi