Page 47 of A Whisper of Cinders

He takes a step closer. “Is that so?”

My heart skips a beat, stupid organ. “Only if you have nothing better to do.”

Another step closer. “Oh, believe me, this deserves all my attention.” Dear lord. Is this what it feels like to talk to men? I mean, it was kind of like this with Noah, but that was once.

A soft chuckle escapes from Aramis and he creates more distance between us, gesturing for me to follow him.

A kind, middle aged woman named Lucine is responsible for making and delivering the food packages and takes us under her wing.

We store fresh food into boxes, set dates on everything and prepare some small meals. It feels good to help, in whatever way possible. And although he hasn’t said it with that many words, Aramis is enjoying it as much as I do.

After three hours we have run out of things to help with and Lucine thanks us. “You really shouldn’t have, but I am grateful you helped us.”

“It was my pleasure.”

She gives my shoulder a small squeeze, warmth traveling towards my hand. I smile and wave her goodbye, following Aramis through the door.

“How are you feeling?” Aramis asks as we walk towards the grand central hall.

“I’m happy I could help in some way, it felt good.” And although I mean what I say, a deep feeling of sadness slowly rises to the surface.

“But…?”

“Nothing really, I think I’m just a little tired.”

Aramis nods. “Of course, I understand. You’ve only been awake for a couple of hours, it’s normal you still feel drowsy.”

He guides me towards the staircase that leads up to where I suppose the bedrooms are located. “It’s been a while since I did something for myself and enjoyed it. My life hasn’t been that great." And that’s an understatement.

“I promise I will bring back the light in your eyes, Mai. Even if it’s the last thing I do.”

Mai.

Ami called me that, too. The sadness rises, my throat tightens at the thought of my friend who isn’t here anymore. I push it down, but it feels like a dam is about to break and I’m not sure how long I can hold it.

But we’re close to the room I’m assigned to. I can try a little longer. At least until I’m alone. Only then Aramis’ words reach me. I blink at him. “What if I’m a lost cause, unable to overcome the darkness that is my friend?”

Gone is the smile that seems unerasable. “Then I will be your light until you can create your own.”

A crack appears in the dam. Oh, he is making it hard, so very hard. But I won’t cry in front of him. I refuse to, so instead I start walking up the stairs. Running away from what I cannot face right now.

Aramis quickly catches up and we turn on the first level. I suppose it’s where the room I’m staying is situated. He wouldn’t be as forward to lead me to his room, now, would he? I quickly glance at him. He does have the confidence to do so, and the looks as well.

He catches me staring and smirks. “Do you enjoy what you’re seeing?”

Heat burns my cheeks. “What, uh, no, I just —”

He raises a brow. “No? Ouch, Maily, don’t hold back.”

I turn even redder. “No, I’m sorry, that’s not what I meant.”

Aramis halts in front of a door — probably the one that leads to the room I’m staying at. “So you do like what you see?”

I really don’t know how to answer that. I like it a little too much, but I can’t really say that, now can I? Thankfully, he speaks before I blurt out something embarrassing. “I’m just messing with you,” he says, winking at me. He pushes open the door. “This is your room.”

I take a hesitant step forward and look back. “Mine?”

He leans against the doorframe, arms across his chest. “Well, you did sleep here, didn’t you?”