in a strange land

Let me take you back

The rays of the golden sun filtered through the trees lining. The air was crisp , the invigorating scent of damp earth . Birds chirped their serenade, while squirrels scampered playfully.

As the sun began creeping in, chasing away the chill of the night, Emy walked towards Asher where she was tending to the flowers. Intrigued by her commitment to flowers that surrounded her. He remembered when he saw her lying unresponsive on the road.

He walked towards her, the crunch of the gravel underfoot breaking the soft melody of the morning. As he approached , she look up, startled at first but then offering a warm smile that transformered her surprise into something friendly.

"Goodmorning", he greeted, allowing a hint of relief to wash over him at the sight of smile. He knew that the generals last daughter was not courageous and ugly and was seen as a curse to the family, but the lady standing before him is absolutely beautiful.

"Morning" she replied, her voice soothing like a gentle breeze .you are up already, she added.

"Yes, just that I can't seem to shake off the memory of finding you unconscious on the road few days ago. It been in my mind ever since ." You have told me the reason you were lying down there helplessly, besides many believe you are dead, I was surprise to see you that day. I think it's time I take you to your family so they can take care of you.

Her expression shifted subtly, a blend of surprise and concern flickering on her face. Her hands paused in their task. "I... I appreciate your concern and thank you for harbouring me in your house, but I don't want to go home now., I'm fine here please don't take me home now, let me stay for a while. Don't worry very soon, I will leave."

"Are you sure that you are okey? His voice was soft, laden with genuine care. It's not I want to send you out of here, I just thought it would be best to take you to your family.

She shook her head softly, her gaze resolute, "no, I really don't think so, I'm managing quite well. Don't worry I will let you know when I'm ready to go.

Emy frowned, a mixture of concern and frustration bubbling beneath the surface." But what if something happens? His tone was earnest, almost pleading. Don't you think your family would feel better knowing you are okey?".

"I appreciate , and I understand what you are saying, but my family has their lives to live, you know? I'm capable of managing things and I will go but not now" she said.

Noting the fire in her spirit but it only heightened his concern, he felt a gentle ache in his heart .

"I appreciate your kindness, but truly I'm okey, please understand" she said.

"Alright, I will respect that, he offered a warm gentle smile." If you ever change your mind, let me know. "

The mixture of her mouth curved upward into a tentative smile _a mixture of gratitude and relief." Thank you, that means alot. Really. "She returned to her Flowers.

Emy lingered a moment longer, soaking in the beauty of the lightness of the day returning even as a soft weight settled against his heart_an unformed concern for a woman who seem more fragile under her armor than she let on.

As he walked away, he looked back once, catching her gaze _a symbol of resilience and vulnerability coalescing in a vivid floral embrace. The morning sun continued to rise, casting warmth upon the earth, but it would be the warmth of human connection and understanding that Emy cherished most of all.

*******************

In the afternoon of that same day, time seemed to slow down, sunlight streamed in through the large bay window, casting a soft glow on the table set for two.

Emy had always taken pride in his .He was busy preparing lunch when Asher presence seemed to illuminate the space even more than the sunlight could.

"Wow, Emy, it smells nice, just like the one you made the first time for me." She exclaimed.

"I hope it lives up to the smell," he replied. With a teasing grin. He had prepared a dish of chicken marinated in herbs and lemon, served alongside with roasted seasonal vegetables.

As they say down to eat, an ease filled the room, punctuated by laughter and their stories , but Asher didn't have much to say, since she was living in a strange body, so she did more of the listening. Asher complimented Emy's cooking , and he felt a rush of warmth and pride swell in his chest. Their discussion flowed easily like a well known melody, but amidst the rhythm of their banter, undercurrents of emotions began to rise.

The table became a sacred place where they could momentarily forget the world outside. It was as if they entered a bubble of their own making. Emy couldn't help but notice how Asher's eye's sparkle when she spoke.

Just as Asher was about to respond to his latest story, their eyes met. The light in Asher's eye dimmed replaced by an intensity that caught both of them off guard . He saw something _an invitation, perhaps?.

His heart raced, and he could see her breath hitch slightly as if she was weighing her next words carefully, Asher's lips parted ever so slightly, revealing the faintest trace of vulnerability that had seldom surface before.

"Emy , I...." She began,but moment hung heavy , threaded with possibilities left unspoken. They remained locked in that gaze, time folding it on itself, glorious moment where the outside world ceased to exist.

Just then, a sound jolted them back to reality _the loud sound coming from a dog barking outside, sending a wave of awkwardness crashing where intimacy had just flourished. They both chuckled nervously, breaking the tension as if startled from a stared dream. Emy looked down, slightly flushed, and Asher turned her gaze to the half empty plate in front of her..

"More chicken.? he asked.

" No, I'm okey with this"she added and so they continued their lunch , each bite with a deeper sense of anticipation , each laugh echoing the tension that lingered. Though the moment had passed , it left a lasting impression on both their hearts