Round Three (KBTBB FF)

19 - Spiders in My Head

I wasn't really able to sleep last night, but probably since I woke up so late. I did catch a few hours, yet I don't feel that exhausted. Yesterday was emotionally taxing and normally I'd be restless in bed, but maybe I wasn't because of Baba. He was out like a light and from the many times we've shared a bed, I know he's a light sleeper.

I feel different, and I don't know in what way nor if it's a good thing. I know it's dangerous to have my train of thought running this early, but I feel different today. Maybe I should go with it, and see where the day goes.

I'm laying on my back, staring at the ceiling while listening to Baba breathe. I'm not sure what's going to happen today, but for now I'm fine like this. It kind of reminds me of Tito, who I haven't seen in two months. He's a street cat so he should be fine. But I miss him.

My stomach burns with hunger, the sting crawling up to my throat. I usually ignore it or force myself to sleep through it to avoid having to make a meal. Yes, I love food but sometimes it just feels like a chore, and I'm not feeling it right now. Except I hear Baba's breathing and turn to admire his soft and calm expression. I can't starve this poor man.

I'll have to go to the store.

As quiet as possible, I get ready to head out and do so, leaving a note for Baba should he wake up. Living in Little Korea, the supermarkets here carry Asian imports, and when I see the tubs of white miso on sale, I have a plan for breakfast in mind. Within thirty minutes, I'm back at my building with grocery bags, waiting for the elevator to open. When I'm inside, the interior glows a salmon pink, reflecting the color of the short polka dot dress I wear. Its high v and the long sleeves are perfect to conceal my arms. I would have opted for a long sleeve shirt and jeans, but it's already so hot out.

I mean it's not bad. It's breezy and light, but when was the last time I wore pink? Hell, do I even own bubblegum pink clothes? This doesn't feel quite right.

...But I'm living today on a whim, so it's not big deal. Chill, girl.

I clip my hair up, hang an apron over my neck, roll up my sleeves and get to work. I haven't cooked a proper meal for myself in a couple of months, maybe, so I feel a bit rusty. I definitely know how to use a knife, but the cuts are chunky and crooked. I laugh to myself, feeling out of character.

It's almost done. Should I wake him up?

I peek into the room and see he's still asleep, his back facing the door. I see his clothes from last night hanging from a chair, creased to oblivion. I glance at him once more and take them.

I don't think he'll mind.

I toss them in the dryer for a few minutes and iron out the creases, neatly arranging them on a hanger better than I would my own suit. I hang them back on the chair and shut the door, cautious not to wake him.

I check on the rice, stir the pot of soup and keep the sides warm. Everything seems ready so I start grilling the salmon and preparing the plates. As I'm washing dishes, I feel my apron being pulled tighter.

"Good morning." Baba smiles sweetly, tying my apron.

"Ah, good morning. Breakfast is almost ready. Would you like tea, water, coffee...?" I offer, trying to hide that I'm flustered.

"Tea would be nice. Are you really cooking, or am I still dreaming?" He scans over the scene.

"Ha ha." I'm sarcastic. "You better hope I don't poison your food."

"What? With sweetness?" He leans against the counter.

I actually laugh and look at him. He looks like he's just rolled out of bed in his slightly disheveled state. His hair is kind of awry and his posture is a bit poor, but he's likely still waking up.