CHAP 15

In the morning, the three woke up and found that the shadow was gone.

"Maybe it's time for it to rest," Lux suggested.

"I guess so," Ciaran agreed.

"Since the person let us stay for a night, how about we return the favor with a gift?" Delia proposed.

"Sure, but what kind of gift would they like?" Ciaran pondered.

"Maybe a basket of flowers and fruits? No one can resist that," Delia suggested.

"It's true. Alright, we'll do it," Lux agreed.

They walked out of the house and Delia set off to find beautiful flowers, while Lux and Ciaran searched for fresh fruits.

"Which apple do you think is nicer?" Lux asked, holding up two apples. Ciaran inspected them carefully.

"This bigger one is better," Ciaran pointed out, "The smaller one has a hole in it, probably from a bug."

"Thanks for letting me know," Lux replied.

"Yeah... you're welcome," Ciaran mumbled, his voice trembling as he gazed into the distance.

"I know you like me. I overheard your conversation last night. I just need some time to think about it, okay?" Lux said calmly.

Ciaran looked back at Lux in shock, unsure of what to say.

"Alright, tall man, let's get to work. Let's put this lovey-dovey stuff on hold for now," Lux teased.

Ciaran smiled and resumed picking fruits, feeling a mixture of emotions swirling within him.

Meanwhile, Delia, who had been hiding behind a bush, rejoined them.

"BROTHER!" she called out, "Where are the flowers?"

"I couldn't find any," Delia lied.

"You little liar, there are some over there," Lux pointed to a nearby bush, next to where Delia had been hiding.

Ciaran laughed, "You really are blind, even Lux with a blindfold could see better than you."

Annoyed, Delia stomped off towards the bush, only to scream in pain moments later.

"What's wrong, Delia?" Lux called out.

"Can you both come here for a second?" Delia requested.

Lux and Ciaran approached the bush, which was full of roses.

"No wonder you screamed, there are thorns in roses!" Ciaran chuckled, followed by Lux.

As Lux searched his pockets, Delia asked, "What are you doing?"

"I'm trying to find something," Lux replied, pulling out a small knife.

He used the knife to cut a rose from the bush and presented it to Ciaran.

"Here you have a rose. And it's for you," Lux said, handing it to him.

Ciaran was at a loss for words, but he took Lux's hands, roses and all, and replied, "Thank you," with a smile.

"It's no big deal," Lux blushed slightly.

"Am I supposed to stand here and pretend I can't see and hear you both?" Delia interrupted.

Lux chuckled, feeling a warmth in his heart that he hadn't felt in a long time.

"Well, let's continue searching before it gets dark," Lux suggested, and they resumed their task until they had everything they needed.

Delia decorated the basket and wrote a note of thanks, and they left it by the door of the house where they had stayed.

That night, as they made their way home, Lux's wound began to bleed again, but he chose to keep it to himself, not wanting to burden his companions.

When they finally reached home, Ciaran tended to Lux's wound, applying healing herbs and bandages.

"Will he ever recover with the hole in his stomach?" Delia asked, fearing for Lux's well-being.

"Only time will tell, Delia," Ciaran sighed, his own worry evident in his voice.

That night, Ciaran slept downstairs to keep an eye on Lux, while Delia retreated to her room, her mind filled with concern for her newfound friend.