A Remaining Podeshire 1

Chapter 6 (Part 2)

     Oliver lets a deep breath pass through his mouth, and a cloud of cold smoke puffs out. As Sophia and her parents turn to the corner, disappearing from their sight, Oliver and the Fuers turn around and head indoors. The wooden floorboards groan as they step inside together, and the front door slams shut, sending a wave of echo through the lounge.

     As his adoptive parents ascend to the second floor, Oliver stays in the lounge and stands still. He reflects on his thoughts as his gaze lowers to his shoes. Oliver feels unsteady with his emotions, not knowing how to think and react.

     Oliver senses more cold chains looping around him, caging him in despair. He sighs as he looks down. Then, he turns around and faces a window, gazing into the outdoors.

     Pondering his freedom, Oliver stares at his reflection in the window. He sees a mirrored image of himself, a dashing and handsome man. However, he knows deep down that his heart has no liberty.

     Oliver approaches the window, and his forehead lands on the glass. He closes his eyes, and his breath paints on the window. Burden loads on his back, making him feel heavy. Oliver wants to crumble and sink on the floor.

     Oliver then ascends to his bedroom, and every corner inside his room hides in darkness. Oliver jumps onto his bed and covers himself in his blanket. He turns to his side and hugs his pillow, slowly closing his eyes.

     A few hours fly by, and Oliver hears a swift and sharp knock on his bedroom door. Oliver rises from his bed, looking at the doorway. His eyes become hollow with dark circles around them. Oliver stands up, scratching the back of his head and screwing his eyes shut.

"Wait up..." Oliver yawned as he approached the door.

     Oliver reached his bedroom door. He grabbed the door handle and twisted it. He then opened the door and saw Layla on the other side. He wasn't surprised to see Layla with her usual glare while standing in a stiff position.

"Good morning," he greeted with a polite smile.

"It's nearly five in the morning!" Layla yelled. "You should be glad the Casalee family won't be coming early."

"Sorry, I slept too late last night. I shall cook breakfast at once, then," Oliver calmly said while leaning on the door.

Layla sighed and closed her eyes. "...Prepare a Muisken stew, can you?" Layla ordered before strutting down the hallway. "Also, make it less spicy! Alex had an unimaginable war with himself in the restroom last time we had that for breakfast!"

Oliver then nodded back and went downstairs immediately.

     Upon entering the kitchen, Oliver immediately grabbed the ingredients from the storage and icebox. Afterwards, he took out the tools and equipment from the drawers. He then lined everything on the counter.

     Oliver grabs a long, sharp kitchen knife, and it shines as he takes it from its set. He then takes a long, steady sight at it, seeing his clear reflection on the blade. Not long after, he dices the onions and garlic before chopping the potatoes, carrots and mushrooms. In the meantime, he lets the uncooked beef thaw on the side before slicing it into pieces.