𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡

𝟑𝟓| 𝐓𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐨, 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐢ñ𝐨

ANTHEA

╚══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╝

We had been eating out for every meal since we arrived and while it was delicious, I missed the comfort of a warm kitchen.

We decided to make our own version of Croatian seafood stew, using fresh ingredients from the local market. I could tell that they were all excited, but there was something different about their energy.

"So, what's the plan?" Eros asked, eying the ingredients on the kitchen counter.

"Well, I'll start by chopping the vegetables,"I replied, taking out a cutting board.

"Not if I have anything to say about it," Joss chimed in, grinning mischievously. "I'm the best chopper in the group."

We all laughed as Joss started to chop the onions with lightning speed. Meanwhile, Dong and Aiden took charge of preparing the seafood and Tyson started to oversee the broth.

"I'll be honest, Anthea," Tyson said, stirring the broth. "I wasn't too excited about cooking at first. But seeing how happy you are, it's contagious."

I smiled at him, grateful for his words. "Cooking always makes me happy," I said.

As we worked together, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and chatter. We shared stories of our college days and caught up on each other's lives. It felt like we were back in our dorm, cooking together for our midnight study sessions.

Finally, after an hour of cooking, our seafood stew was ready. We all gathered around the dining table, a sense of anticipation in the air. I couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment and the people around me.

As we dug into the hearty stew, everyone's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh my God, this is delicious!"Joss exclaimed, taking another bite.

"Anthea, you are a master chef," Eros joked, causing everyone to burst into laughter.

"Hey, we all had a hand in this," I reminded them, grinning from ear to ear.

Throughout dinner, we continued...whatever we usually do.

We finished our meal and cleaned up.

Settling into the evening, and I had to convinced the boys to watch a horror movie with me, something I had been dying to do. As we settled in with our snacks and drinks, I couldn't hide my glee.

"Come on, guys, are you ready for this?" I asked.

Eros, the most sensible one of the group, chuckled. "I don't know, Anthea. Horror movies aren't really my thing."

I rolled my eyes playfully at him. "Oh, come on, Eros. It's just a movie. It's not real."

"But that's the problem, it feels too real,"Joss chimed in, looking nervous already.

Dong and Tyson exchanged a look of uncertainty, but Aiden seemed to be the only one as excited as me.

"I love horror movies," he declared, much to my delight.

"Well, let's put it to a vote," I suggested, trying to be fair.

"Who wants to watch a horror movie?"

To my happiness, everyone raised their hands, except for Joss, who reluctantly raised his hand halfway.

"Alright, majority wins,"I declared, picking up the remote.

"Let's see what we have here."

As I scrolled through the options on the TV, Eros and Joss couldn't help but voice their opinions.