Koko laughs. “Of course, dear! I’m sure I can find something in the general store. I’ll bring them by tomorrow morning if that’s alright?”
My breath falters, “I’ll pay you back for them, Koko. Just let me know how much it costs.”
This time, she scoffs, dismissive of the mere thought. “Nonsense, Lily. You wouldn’t be in this situation if it weren’t for my clumsiness. It’s the least I can do. Just text if you think of anything else you need.”
I chuckle, feeling a sense of warmth at her generosity. “Thank you, Koko, I will. Good night,” I hang up, staring at the phone for a while before setting it on the counter. God, if only I could call and tell Aunt Zizi about everything. She would know what to say. However, the last thing I want is to put Ravok in danger in case the government really is listening to our phone calls.
The cabin is silent as I quickly wash the last few dirty dishes. Then I take a quick inventory of the fridge and freezer. I need to figure out something hearty for Ravok.
I find a chuck roast in the freeze. I check if I have the rest of the ingredients to make a beef stew. Pleased that I have everything I need, I put the cut of beef in the fridge to thaw for tomorrow.
Once I finish setting the kitchen to rights, I silently tiptoe back to check on Ravok. My heart drums a frantic tattoo as I open the door and peek inside. My gaze lands on Ravok, his formsprawled out on the mattress. The moonlight seeping through the solitary window paints his skin a deep silver, emphasizing the contours of his muscular form.
His bare chest rises and falls rhythmically, the peaceful cadence somehow soothing my restless soul. Behind his closed eyelids, his eyes flicker, a testament to the vivid dreams he must be having. There’s an uncanny beauty in his alien stillness, an image akin to a dark angel cast from the heavens above. At this moment, he’s less of an otherworldly warrior and more of an enchanted wanderer lost in a world that is not his own.
I start to turn away, wanting to give Ravok his privacy when I notice that Mango is curled up at his side.
“Mango,” I venture, my whispered plea breaking the silence of the cabin. One of his golden eyes cracks open, regarding me with an almost human contempt before shutting again. A soft huff is the only response to my call. I resist the urge to burst into laughter, instead beckoning him more urgently. “Mango, come here, buddy!”
Mango merely flicks his tail in dismissal, a feline version of ‘talk to the paw.’ I sigh, rolling my eyes at the absurdity of it all. “Fine,” I mutter, throwing my hands up in surrender, “Stay there snuggling with the intimidating alien for all I care.”
With a huff of amused exasperation, I pivot on my heels. Resigned to letting Mango enjoy his unconventional snuggle buddy, I head back to the living room. Curling up on the couch under the homey quilt I found laid over its back; I close my eyes, the sight of the alien-cuddling cat etching a smile upon my face as I drift to sleep under the soft lullaby of the vibrant night.
CHAPTER 25
Lily
When I crack open my eyes next, I’m immediately blinded by the sunlight streaming in from the nearby window. Groaning, I try to shield my eyes, wincing at the bright sunrise. My body aches in a way I haven’t felt in a long time, but it isn’t an unwelcome sensation. I have a crick in my neck from sleeping on the sofa. I slowly stretch, trying to work out the kinks in my aching muscles. That’s when memories from the last two days flood me.
Fumbling for my phone on the side table, I squint trying to read the time – it’s early morning, the digits almost washed out against the dawn light. Images of yesterday’s events flood back onto the surface of my mind. The alien. Ravok. His wounds. Removing the bullet. His… well… endowment… I would think that it’s just a vivid dream, but I know better. There is a massive, injured, naked alien sleeping in my bed.
Despite knowing that it all really happened, I pad down the hall to where I left Ravok and Mango sleeping and peek inside the room.
He’s still asleep.
Treading as lightly as I can, I sneak over to my suitcase, lying open on the dresser, and pick out fresh clothes, my mind a whirlwind.
The creaky floorboards have me holding my breath as I make my way toward the bathroom. Thank heavens for small mercies, I think as I softly turn the knob. I only partially close the door, needing to make sure I can hear if Ravok calls for me. I turn the knob to as hot as possible and brush my teeth as I wait for the water to heat. The sound of running water soon echoes in the confined space and steam starts to fog up the mirror.
Undressing, I step into the one-degree-less-than-scalding spray, sighing in relief as the water cascades onto my sore muscles. I feel like I lost a boxing match – everything hurts. Letting the shower cleanse me of dirt and my worries, I scrub every inch of my body.
Before too long, I’m toweling off, the momentary reprieve from the dangerous and bizarre situation creeping back onto me. Then I have a thought that stops me in my tracks. At the rate that Ravok is healing, I wonder how long it will be before he is back on his feet and ready to head back into space. The pang in my chest at the thought pulls me up short.
I stare at my reflection in the mirror momentarily, my heart pounding at the thought of Ravok leaving. “He’s not a rescue you’re picking up from the shelter, you stupid woman. He can’t stay. He’s in danger every moment he is here,” I remind myself sternly. I need to be thankful that I’ve had this chance.
How many people in the world have had a chance to meet an alien? I hope I’ve been a good representative of my people.Although I think back to the scars littering Ravok’s body and suspect I’m not the first human he’s encountered.
With a sigh, I tie my hair into its usual messy bun before turning to grab my jeans.
A sudden pounding echoes from the front of the cabin, scaring me so bad I drop the jeans and almost pee myself. It shatters my moment of tranquility like a hammer to glass. Scrambling out of the bathroom, I grab my damp towel from the hook and wrap it around my body as I skid across the slippery tiles, nearly toppling over.
I sprint out of the bathroom, terrified that either someone will come inside and see Ravok or that my alien will make some noise to give away his presence. I skid to a stop in the doorway leading to the bedroom. Darting a glance into the room, I barely manage to stifle a startled gasp. Ravok’s awake, alright. His snowy-white eyes are wide open, and something about his gaze strikes me as feral. His teeth are bared and he looks like he wants to leap out of the bed and kill something.
I mime for him to remain in place, placing a finger to my lips for silence. I try to keep my face calm, praying that Ravok understands. I straighten my shoulders, tugging the towel tighter around my body, and rush towards the front door.
As I approach, my heart pounding a phantom rhythm in my ears, I notice a silhouette through the door’s glass. The form is familiar, and a whiff of relief washes over me.
“Koko,” I breathe out, a relieved smile tugging at the corner of my lips. I didn’t realize that I was bracing for the men in black to show up until I recognized her at the door. I’m so relieved I feel faint. I reach out, clutching the brass handle, and crack open the door.
