The first order on a bright Sunday morning. Desmon prepared a delicious and healthy meal on a cart. He checked everything carefully and then pushed it slowly.
Desmon came to Andreas’ room. He knocked twice in a regular rhythm and it wasn’t long before the door opened. Andreas appeared and said, “Let me do this.”
Desmon nodded gently and allowed Andreas to take over the food cart. “Enjoy your meal, sir.”
After the door closed, Desmon went on his way. Other tasks were waiting for him.
Meanwhile, inside the room, Andreas tried not to make a sound as he pushed the food cart. He did not want to disturb Vlora’s sleep, even if it was useless in the end. When he put the coffee cup back on the saucer after the first sip, he heard Vlora’s sigh.
Vlora stretched, her consciousness returning, and slowly opened her eyes. It took some time for Vlora to adjust her retinas to the brightness of the day. She blinked repeatedly as she took a deep breath and shifted slightly.
Vlora’s forehead furrowed. The absence of Andreas beside her made her look around. She propped herself up on her elbows, then saw Andreas approaching her with measured steps.
Andreas handed Vlora a glass of water and greeted her with a fresh look. “Good day.”
Vlora’s eyes did a quick turn and closed dramatically. The greeting was an announcement of how long she had slept.
“Good day as well.”
This time Vlora really sat up. She held the blanket in front of her and welcomed the glass.
Andreas sat on the edge of the bed with an amused expression on his face. “I thought a drink would soothe your throat.”
Vlora’s lips parted at the edge of the glass. She looked at Andreas and her face turned red. Was her voice that hoarse?
It was possible. The sensation of the cold water moistening the base of her throat brought her unimaginable relief. She even let out an inexplicable sigh.
“Oh, my goodness.”
Vlora gasped. She took a deep breath and drank until the glass was empty.
The empty glass went back into Andreas’ hand. Vlora felt relieved now.
“Do you want to eat?” Andreas asked, watching Vlora with his eyes. “Desmon brought the food. Tell me what you want.”
“I would like to take a shower, but…”
Vlora’s deep voice answered in a tired tone. She sighed and tried to tidy up her messy, tousled wavy hair, which was now in complete disarray.
“… I’m sure I won’t be able to go to the bathroom now.”
Andreas burst out laughing. Reflexively, he reached for Vlora’s neck and planted an affectionate kiss on her forehead.
“My body is so tired. I feel like my bones are falling apart. I don’t think I’ll be able to stand today.”
Andreas confirmed. “Don’t worry. I can help you take a shower if you want.”
Vlora’s sharp look was the answer Andreas got. Then he laughed again.
“I mean, I can really help you shower, dear.”
Vlora’s expression clearly showed her disbelief in Andreas’ words. Who could guarantee the truth of Andreas’ words when it came to water and flower-scented bubbles?
“I don’t think a shower is urgent right now. I need food more than a shower,” Vlora said, looking at the food cart. “Do you have avocados?”
“Yes, along with whole wheat bread. I’ll get it for you right away.”
Vlora did not wait long. A moment later, a plate of sliced whole wheat bread with avocado and a drizzle of honey was in her hands.
“Ah, this must be delicious.”
While Vlora enjoyed her breakfast, Andreas poured a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice into a new glass. He prepared it for Vlora and then joined her with the same menu.
“Have you been up long?” Vlora asked after her last bite had disappeared into her digestive system. She turned to the orange juice. “You already showered.”
Andreas nodded. “I wasn’t kidding when I said I wanted to shower together earlier, but…”
Vlora’s eyes widened again and Andreas laughed again between his words.
“… I saw you sleeping so soundly. You needed rest, and you certainly didn’t need a shower.”
Vlora decided to let Andreas have his way with his playful remarks. It was only natural for Andreas to give her a few sarcastic comments. It was often said that a couple’s habits often rubbed off on each other.
“Would you like something else, or maybe a second helping of bread?”
Vlora handed her empty plate. “You’re very understanding, Reas. A second helping of bread, please.”
It took only a few seconds for Vlora’s empty plate to be refilled. She enjoyed her second breakfast and Andreas could only shake his head.
“Now you look like a disaster victim who hasn’t received food aid for a week.”
Vlora let out a long sigh. Her hunger was gone, but the desire to finish the wheat bread was still there.
“Maybe I am a victim.”
Not only did Vlora’s hunger disappear, but her strength began to return. The successful reaction to Andreas’ satire made him blink his eyes.
“Oh, my goodness, Vlo. If there’s a victim here, it’s definitely me, not you.”
Andreas’ protest was met with a kiss from Vlora. She shook her head as she handed the empty plate back to Andreas, then leaned against the head of the bed.
“The situation proves who the victim here is,” Vlora replied, settling into her position. “I’m going to rest for a while and then take a shower.”
“Good idea.”
“What about you? Do you have any plans for today?”
Andreas finished his coffee. “No, not really. Maybe just check a few things in my office later.”
“Oh.”
“So, it’s okay if I leave you alone?”
“Of course. I’ll be fine. Go about your business.”
Andreas nodded. “If you need anything, call Desmon.”
Vlora looked at Andreas with a different expression. It seemed that this time she did not agree with Andreas’ statement.
“If I need anything, I will definitely call you. My helplessness right now is entirely your responsibility, not someone else’s.”
Andreas could not resist the urge to playfully pinch Vlora’s nose. His cute reaction made Vlora shiver.
“Exactly right.”
Andreas left the room for a moment, taking his phone with him.
Now there was silence, and only Vlora’s breathing accompanied her loneliness.
A moment passed. Vlora got up to go to the bathroom when she felt her strength returning. She showered and washed her body carefully, but her giggles could not help but escape again and again.
Vlora finished her shower in a relatively short time. She wrapped herself in a robe, and a towel wrapped her hair. She walked casually to the dressing room.
Vlora chose a casual dress. She wanted to get it from the closet, but her eyes were drawn to the drawer instead.
Vlora glanced at the door before pulling the drawer. Her hand reached out, and at the right moment, the screen of the tablet lit up. A notification had come in with the text: “Progun tax report.”
*