Three Meters

Athanasia smiled at him wildly while opening the bag that contains the things that she brought for him. She felt excited and giddy as she rummaged through the bag full of men's clothes and must-haves.

"You noticed that I was gone right? I went on a trip and bought all kinds of things!" She excitedly said and she grinned at him.

He looked at her with scrunched brows. His eyes followed her hand that is rummaging through the huge bag on her lap. The bag was so huge that he can only see her neck and head.

"I've bought many things from Ethereal and Centro! We'll start with the items from Ethereal first." She almost squealed in excitement as she started to pull out a huge and thick fabric from the bag.

She struggled so hard to pull the fabric out that she had to stand up and forcefully pull it out of the bag. It was huge that she wondered how she managed to put it inside in the first place.

Embarrassed, she peaked at Marcus who was observing her with keen eyes. Marcus looks flabbergasted and shell-shocked at the sight. He was probably wondering how it fits inside the bag just as she was.

"I'm also wondering how I even managed to squeeze this in here." She blabbered, now pulling half of it out of the bag.

Grunting, she used her strength and it came out abruptly that it sent her sprawling on the ground while covered in it. She groaned and covered her face. She's never been this clumsy before she wondered why is her clumsy side showing now of all times that she's been alive.

Marcus gazed at the thick fabric that she now holds above her head. She held it up in front of her, covering her whole body with it. He can only see her tiny hands that gripped the fabric so tightly.

"This is a special fabric that I bought in Ethereal. This is what the campers always buy. It is thick and it can serve as a sturdy tent." She explained while still holding it up.

She was amazed by it when she saw it at a camping store in Ethereal. It is infused with modern technologies that Ethereal developed. It is fireproof and cut-proof. It can also automatically adjust the temperature of its surface depending on the weather condition. When she saw it she immediately thought that it will be perfect for Marcus.

She put the fabric down and grinned at him, still amazed at the product that she bought. 

He's just staring blankly at her. She frowned at his expression and stomped toward him, trying to get him to snap out of it but he just stared at her with a frown on his face. Athanasia sighed at his reaction, she already expected it. She realized it really is hard to impress someone who does not care.

Because the fabric was heavy and massive, she cannot just pull it up using her string and bring it to Marcus like before. With no other choice, she just laid it in front of her neatly, hoping that Marcus will somehow appreciate it and use it later.

But judging from his blank expression, he didn't seem like he plans on using it.

"It's very thick you know? I mean it's thicker than any regular material you would find around." Athanasia continued to babble while she pulled out three simple sets of men's clothing out of the bag.

The clothes were white and they all look like nothing much. They look like regular clothes but in a different style.

"I have three sets of clothes here. I'm not sure if they are your size so I just bought big sizes since you look..." She looked at him up and down, his massive and toned body can be seen even from the distance, "... massive. I'm sure this will fit." She announced, presenting them to Marcus.

She expected Marcus to not react at all but she saw him trail his eyes on the clothes. Athanasia bit back her smile from happiness. He finally acted interested!

She thought he would just stay frozen like a statue but it seems like he desperately wanted a new set of clothes. 

Considering that he may be locked up in here for years. She doubt he even had the chance to bring clothes with him.

"It seems like you like them." She stated and laid down the clothing on top of the febreysi.

The bag has now gotten smaller than before. Inside were just some toiletries and plates. She also brought some foods that can be preserved for a long time.

She could hear the gears turning in his brain and she patiently waited for more reaction.

Finally, Marcus spoke. "Why did you buy these?"

His voice is deep and rough; a perfect match for the image he gave her of himself. Hearing his question made her question herself. She often asks herself that too. And she, herself, doesn't even know the answer to that yet.

It's not like she's trying to be an angel that will save him from his despair. She just felt like it. Her instinct always screams at her to care for him. Her brain doesn't even help because it always flashes his face in her mind.

The sound of the rain engulfed the forest, creating sounds of rumbling thunder. There was no wind outside and the sound of the raindrops tapping on the floor is somewhat comforting despite the suffocating silence.

The three-meter distance between them somehow felt too close. She wanted to get away. Away from his intense gaze that seems to burn holes through her skin, that seems to sear her bones. Away from his cold stare which causes chills to run down her spine, his glare which makes her feel so small. Away from his intimidating presence that sends a tingling sensation throughout her body.

Her eyes drifted to the hole above where a gray sky awaits, filled with fluffy gray clouds that floated about. She took a deep breath and rubbed her hands together, it seems like the cold is starting to affect her. Especially since her clothes are tattered.

"I don't know. I guess I just have a bunch of money to spend." She said looking at him.

She tried to ignore the fact that her words seemed to fall short.