Nikolai dressed himself in a simple khaki shirt and white button-up. His hair was still damp from his shower even after I told him to dry it. He replied that it would dry naturally. We walked side by side after closing the cottage behind us. It was around noon that we decided to finally explore the cottage. The sun was playing hide and seek behind the clouds, but it was sunny enough to make a pleasant walk. Nikolai and I stepped out of the cottage. I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation swirling within me. The air was alive with the scent of pine and earth, and the promise of adventure hung thick in the air. Nikolai's simple attire contrasted with the lush surroundings, his damp hair tousled from his recent shower, despite my insistence that he dry it. We treaded along the well-b
