Upon having the first bite of the chicken and corn congee, Lucille's eyes widened, gleaming with marvel. A comforting warmth traveled down her throat before settling in her stomach.
The taste was beyond her expectations! It was delicious!
Even though its scent was fragrant and it looked presentable, Lucille initially expected nothing more. She thought they just masked the blandness of the congee.
'Wow...' she thought, unable to believe herself.
Unexpectedly, the congee was very flavorful; so rich and savory. It was unlike the usual bland and watery meals she had eaten since the beginning of the apocalypse.
Now, most survival bases had acres of plantations and animal farms as food sources. They had also produced their own seasonings and whatnot.
But to avoid a shortage, everything was rationed so strictly that every dish was quite plain and joyless. If one wanted to indulge, one had to pay more.
Unfortunately, this was inevitable.
Unlike before, when food could be enjoyed in various ways, it was now meant to ensure survival. Everyone was already content with having a half-filled tummy every day.
But... this congee was different!
Lucille took another cautious spoonful. This time, she truly savored it. She didn't realize the brief look Ashrik gave her as he noticed the awe in her gaze.
'So good!'
The congee was smooth and hearty. The faint drizzle of sesame oil left a mellow richness on her tongue. She also tasted subtle layers of salt, pepper and soy sauce.
The sweetness of the corn blended well with the shredded chicken pieces. The chopped fresh scallions were crisp and sharp, adding another layer to the flavors.
Somehow, she felt nostalgic. The homely taste of comfort that she hadn't known in years returned to her mind.
Unable to hold back, Lucille lifted her eyes from the bowl and looked at Ashrik. Her lips curled up, and her eyes were bright. Her previous pale and listless countenance had faded.
"Brother Ash, this is delicious."
Ashrik paused from scooping the congee, his gaze searching Lucille's face. The sincerity in her voice and eyes, including how easily she addressed him, softened his heart.
But he revealed nothing.
"Eat. There's still more."
His curt response didn't faze her. She nodded happily.
"Thank you."
Ashrik said nothing anymore. He resumed eating. Despite how aloof he appeared on the outside, the slight tremble of his fingertips betrayed his feelings, only known to himself.
Lucille lowered her head, hoping to taste more of the congee. She ate more slowly this time. One, to savor the flavors; two, because her movements were still quite stiff.
After a few spoonfuls, she noticed another thing about the food.
Perhaps it was only her imagination, but her body felt better with every bite she had. The warmth that rushed along to her stomach seemed to carry a faint yet soothing aura.
What was the reason?
Did it have something to do with this verdant yet strange place?
As she looked up, Lucille cast a look outside the open windows.
She saw rolling hills in the distance, the lush greenery harmonizing with the clear blue sky. Aside from the breeze, she also caught the echo of birds chirping and faint rackets of other animals.
Didn't those noises come from cows, sheep and chickens? Where were they?
Also, how did he end up here? How had he been over the past four years?
What made him charge from battlefield to battlefield and fight relentlessly, as if disregarding how people viewed him?
Perhaps she was being heavily biased, but she couldn't believe the news that condemned the atrocities he committed.
Lucille swallowed the questions that almost left the tip of her tongue. As she saw that Ashrik had no interest in talking, she decided to ask him after eating.
He only broke the silence once she finished the congee. "Want more?"
Lucille shook her head. "I want seconds, but my tummy says no."
Despite how delicious the congee was, her stomach couldn't accept more. She also knew not to overeat, especially when her body was still weak.
Ashrik simply hummed. While rising to his feet, he gathered the bowls to bring them to the sink. Lucille didn't see the slight upturn of his lips once he turned around.
Her tummy said no?
Heh. Her answer was just like before.
Lucille washed off the savory taste on her tongue with a cup of warm water. She tilted her head slightly, staring at Ashrik's back.
The sunlight streamed into the kitchen from the window, casting a layer of faint glow on his figure. He moved silently, save for the sound of water rushing from the faucet as he washed the dishes.
She was grateful for this small, comforting moment in this kitchen. After facing the recent chaotic events, she needed a break to calm herself.
Captain Gao's betrayal of her and her father, the strange mission ordered by Deputy Commander Jia, her sudden reunion with Ashrik, and losing control of her ability because of her broken core; everything overwhelmed her.
Lucille had only retracted her gaze when Ashrik finished rinsing the last dish. He put it on the stainless steel dish drainer by the sink. After wiping his hands with a towel, he turned around.
Ashrik said nothing, only silently staring at Lucille. His gaze was unreadable with not even a slight fluctuation, but only he knew the mess within him.
How should he begin? And from where?
The hard years of the apocalypse might have hardened the gentle young lady of the past, but these topics still weren't easy to broach.
Lucille turned her chin, locking her eyes with Ashrik's. The silence was quite oppressive, so different compared to when they had a meal without conversing just a moment ago.
Unlike the gentle springs that she was accustomed to before, his eyes now resembled inky, bottomless wells.
Lucille tightened her grip on the cup handle. She parted her lips, asking, "Brother Ash, do you know something about what happened in the cave? Can you tell me now?"
Her tone was clear, edged with slight caution. Despite that, he could tell she was bracing herself for the worst.
As he understood that he shouldn't delay this issue, Ashrik nodded, yet he warned, "This might crush you."
Lucille laughed, laced with self-mockery. "I'm already reduced to this state. What else should I fear?"
A trusted comrade betrayed her and she was on the verge of losing her ability for good.
Did she have anything else to fear?