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My head was filled with hammers whacking my skull. Some food and water would help massively.

As would his kisses…

The sky above the clearing blushed a stunning shade of lavender, similar to Caer’s eyes, flecks of orange swimming in it.

I reached the edge of the trees, finding some pale pink berries, along with some swollen blue flowers. They were the shape of a grapefruit cut in half, the flat part sealed with ribbons of thick blue petals. Droplets of condensation ran down their sides. Along with the berries, they jiggled merrily on the end of their vines due to my elfy presence.

“Hi there, sweeties,” I said.

They sparkled, pretty jewels offering up their goodies to me.

I plucked a water pod from its vine first, carefully cradling it in my hands like a bowl. It was heavy and cool, and sloshed when I moved it.

The petals opened, curling themselves around my hands, revealing the clear water within.

My thirst practically whimpered in response.

I drank the whole thing greedily, the crisp cool water pure bliss.

“Ah.”

So good.

The flower withered away, leaving nothing behind. Seconds later, a new one had grown on the vine in its place.

“Clever, sweetie,” I praised.

Now for a berry.

Elio’s arrival stopped me from plucking a pink orb.

“Oh.” My heart sank.

“Hi.”

“Hello.”

“Are you…” I shook my head. “Why am I even asking you?”

“You haven’t asked me anything yet.” His hands were clasped so tightly together his knuckles turned white.

“I’m sorry for your loss,” I said.

His bottom lip trembled, his hazel eyes wet. “Thanks. I…I can’t do this right now.” He walked away, back to his parents.

Couldn’t say I blamed him. Right there with him, even. The parents thing, the brother thing, they were all in the later column. And I’d be happy for them to remain there indefinitely.

Rattled by his brief visit, I tried a berry. An explosion of strawberry, kiwi, and lime hit my tongue, followed by a blackcurrant aftertaste.

“Aren’t you full of surprises?” I told the plant.

Like the water pods, the berries replenished themselves.

Eight berries later, I went to the closest hut to rest up.

Oh, man did I need to rest up.

Opening the rectangular, wooden hut door, I stepped into a room of white walls and lavender carpet. A double bed sat in the middle of the room, its dark-purple sheets crisp, the pillows looking rather fluffy.