My hair is sopping wet, and I decide to snag a discarded hair tieoff the counter and take my long hair—that’s way overdue for a trim—and French braid it down the middle of my head.
Exiting the bathroom, I don’t hear any voices and assume Harvey is still out doing his morning chores. Poking my head into the kitchen, Winnie stands over the stove, moving bacon from the pan onto a plate.
She must feel my presence, because she looks to the side and jumps a bit, clearly startled.
“I didn’t hear you come in,” she comments, hand on her chest.
“I move like the wind.”
“You don’t say.” Although her smile is contagious, I keep my lips in a firm line.
Her side profile showcases pointed ears poking out through her ringlets, and my fingers absentmindedly trace over the outline of my own.
Neither of us tries to make idle conversion, and I appreciate it. After I sit at the round kitchen table, she brings me a plate full of eggs, bacon, and a side of toast. Next, she carries over a glass pitcher filled with freshly squeezed orange juice.
The food steams with heat, and the smell wafts in my face, causing my stomach to growl loud. “Don’t be shy. Help yourself. There’s plenty to go around,” Winnie says, breaking the silence.
“Thank you.” The first taste of bacon raises a moan from my lips, and I shove the rest of the piece in my mouth. She stares at me blankly, concerned etched over her features.
The eggs are wonderful—something I remind myself with each forkful I shove in my mouth. Next, taking a bite of the toast, I let the jam that’s spread on it coat my tongue. My eyes close at the sweet taste of strawberries, and I decide to finish chewing before I choke.
Pouring the orange juice into my awaiting glass, I gulp it down before refilling it, letting everything settle in my stomach.
“Where are you coming from, dear?” The question catches meoff guard.
“I’m not sure,” I say truthfully. “Could you tell me where we are?”
“Yes, we’re technically still in the town limits of Excidium.” She offers the information freely, and I’m grateful.
“Where is it you’re trying to get to?”
“I’m also not sure.” She looks at me with pity. I hate it.
Harvey decides that is the moment he’s going to barrel through the door, allowing the uncomfortable conversation to end. “Goodness, it smells great in here.” His comment brings a smile back to Winnie’s face. When he enters, he leans down and gives her a quick kiss on the top of her head before dishing himself up a plate of food.
“I’m sorry it took longer than I expected. Licorice was in high spirits today and let me clean his hoofs. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity,” he explains, piling eggs onto his plate. Harvey takes the seat next to Winnie, and after taking a bite of bacon, he looks between the two of us.
“Did you get enough to eat?” I’m thankful he didn’t comment on my appearance. I didn’t have the heart to look at myself in the mirror prior to showering. I nod my head in earnest, even though all I want to do is take the leftovers and make a run for it.
“I appreciate your hospitality. But I really should be going.” Standing from the table, the legs of the chair scratch across the floor, making the silence in the room that much more unbearable.
“Of course! I just wish you would have knocked when you arrived. Anything would’ve been better than that scratchy pile of hay.” Winnie’s eyes bug out of her head at Harvey’s statement.
Oh, how wrong he is.
“We have a spare bed, if you would like to stay the night. We could also use some extra hands around the farm.” Winnie’s offer seems genuine, but I’ve already been here far too long. Ihave to keep moving, and truthfully, I don’t think I would be able to sleep here with people I don’t know, no matter how hospitable they’ve been.
“No, that’s alright. I appreciate the offer, but I must be going,” I insist.
“Well, if you’re sure. Please take some leftovers to go. I made plenty, and there’s no way we’re going to eat all of that.” Looking over at the remaining eggs and bacon, I know that’s not the case, but I nod anyway, knowing she’s just trying to be kind and not overbearing.
“Also, why don’t you take Licorice. You can tie him up right outside of town, and one of us will bring him back later when we run in,” Harvey suggests after finishing his eggs.
“Oh, that is a great idea!” Winnie chimes, boxing up the rest of the food.
“I really couldn’t. You’ve done so much for me already.”
“I insist. It’s a long walk there—trust me. I’ve done it a time or two, and it’s not the most forgiving.”
