Rise from the ashes (an elemental tale)

Cosmos

[Day 244]

{Log 4} 08:47 - Darkness made way to light.

Burning, blinding light.

I opened my eyes to the suns harsh glare, furiously blinking to try and avoid it.

My disorientation finally came to a halt, and I jumped out of the chair I was resting on.

I took a few weary steps indoors and fell onto my bed face first. I groaned and dragged myself to the ensuite, dead set on getting myself together.

What I saw in the mirror shocked me. The part of my face exposed to the sun was bright pink in colour, indicating my severe sunburn.

I searched the cupboards beneath the basin for any hydrocortisone cream or something else that'll help with the sunburn. I finally found it hidden behind a stress ball.

What's that doing there?

"Phoenix, are you in here?" Mayu asked.

"Yeah, in the bathroom," was my reply.

She came bounding in practically radiating happiness.

I was still crouched down near the cupboard, and at seeing this, she asked,"What are you doing?".

I emerged from my crouching position and showed her the hydrocortisone cream in my hands. Her attention was immediately diverted to the burnt part of my face.

"Oh my, what happened!?" she asked, shocked.

I gave her a blank look and focused on applying the cream to the burn.

"Oh right, sunburn. Are you ok?" she asked once again.

I merely shrugged, already annoyed with her presence.

"Do you need help?" she asked timidly.

At this point, I did what most people call "getting pissed off".

I gave her a deadly glare and replied,"No, now get the hell out."

Hmmm, that was too mild, I could've done worse. Why didn't I?

Her face immediately dropped, and fear entered her eyes.

She started backing out, but before she left, she said one last thing,"I only meant to ask if you wanted something to eat."

Then she left in a hurry.

Oh, so that's what that was about. It's too late to change anything now.

I finished applying the cream and decided to cover most of the sunburn with my hair so that it's not as noticeable.

Once done in the bathroom, I exited my room and made my way downstairs.

The smell of mouthwatering food was overwhelming, and I had to fight the urge to keep my stomach from growling.

I followed that smell and was met with a full kitchen and dining area.

The table was filled with many people I haven't met before. Excluding Mr and Mrs Meyers and their daughter.

All movement at the table was halted when I was spotted.

This would've been awkward if I could feel awkwardness. So I merely stood still, not knowing how to react in this situation.

Mr and Mrs Meyers were quick to get up and resolve this "situation".

"Everyone, this is Phoenix, and she'll be staying with us for a while," was Mrs Meyers' introduction.

Sweet and a tad bit too short.