"Thanks," I said to the helpful person inside Mama Adelaide's huge house after handing over the paper bags. Artemis and I just got back from exploring Venice, and we're crashing at Mama Adelaide's place while we're here. The house is pretty cool, with four floors and a sweet view of the Grand Canal, where we saw people cruising around on boats, soaking in the sights of Venice.
We've been here for a week now. Artemis got herself a sketch pad and some art stuff, and she's been going out to sketch everything she sees. Whether it's on a bench outside or chilling on the balcony, she's totally into it.
After a long day of sightseeing landmarks and people-watching, I felt exhausted and my head was pounding like I'd been partying all night. Truth is, it's just the result of walking around all day with my girlfriend. My throat felt scratchy, and I had this weird hot sensation in my breathing.
Artemis headed straight for the shower while I changed clothes and flopped onto the bed. I needed some serious rest. Maybe I pushed myself too hard today. So, I decided to call it a night and catch some Z's to recharge.
I groan when I felt Artemis waking me up. Tinalikuran ko siya at nagsumiksik sa loob ng kumot. Hindi yata biglang lumamig? It's May and it's the spring season in Italy, why is it so cold?
"Scarlett, wake up," rinig kong sabi niya ulit habang kinakalabit ako.
I groaned again but opened my eyes now. It's already dark outside. "Why?" I grumpily asked. My eyes went to her. Her eyes were so expressive, conveying love, gentleness, and worry.
"You're hot," she said.
Mabilis na nangunot ang noo ko. "I'm cold, that's what is."
She let out a sigh, shaking her head. Then she turned slightly to reach for a tray on the side table. "Nilalagnat ka," she informed me. "Kaya kumain ka na para makainom ka na ng gamot," she added.
Inabot niya sa akin ang isang mangkok na may lamang egg soup. Pero nang aabutin ko na parang nanlambot ang kamay ko. Hindi ko alam kung dahil sa lamig o dahil nararamdaman ko na ang panghihina ng katawan ko.
"I can't," I told her, my lips jutting out and water started to form in my eyes. My voice a little hoarse which makes me speak a little uncomfortable.
She quickly put down the bowl and touched my face. "Bakit ka umiiyak?" she asked softly.
"I don'---"
"Okay. Don't mind my question," she said, shaking her head and holding the bowl in her hand.
Artemis took the spoon and dipped it into the steaming soup, carefully scooping up a spoonful. As she raised it to my lips, I could see the steam rising from the spoon, carrying the comforting aroma of the broth. The light shimmered on the surface of the soup, making it look inviting and soothing.
With a gentle touch, she brought the spoon closer to me, her gaze never leaving mine. Her movements were tender and deliberate, as if she knew just how much care and attention I needed in that moment. I could feel the warmth of her love in every gesture.
The spoonful of soup hovered near my lips, and I could almost taste its goodness before it even touched my tongue. Artemis encouraged me to open my mouth, and as I did, the spoon glided in, releasing a burst of flavors that instantly made me feel comforted.
After I told her that I'm already full, inabot niya sa akin ang isang pill ng gamot kasabay ng baso ng tubig. As I swallow it, it felt like the water and the pill scratches my throat more kaya napaubo ako after uminom.
I moved closer to her as she placed a gentle hand on my back, rubbing it soothingly while I coughed. My head leaned on her shoulder after she put the glass back on the side table.
BINABASA MO ANG
Break Fresh Ground
RomanceScarlett and Artemis are two women from vastly different worlds. Scarlett, born into wealth and privilege, has always had everything she's ever wanted handed to her on a silver platter. She lives in the fast-paced city, surrounded by skyscrapers and...
