The Hermit & Heir | A Short Story

Part 15

Vera was the first to wake up. The fire had gone out in the night leaving her feet cold underneath the blankets. She felt a warm body keeping the chill off the rest of her body. Vera slowly turned her head to find Ted nestled up against her. His eyes were closed while she watched the rise and fall of his chest as he breathed. She remembered everything he told her last night. The things he revealed about Birdie didn't sit right with her. How could he love Birdie? Her mother had loved her, but this was a difference kind of love. Vera couldn't figure it out, but she knew she wanted to meet Birdie when she brought Ted home.

Ted slowly opened his eyes to find Vera looking at him. His hair was messy, and his lips were in a pout. Vera liked the way he looked right there. His hair stuck up in many directions. He was clean shaven from last night and his night shirt was loose and wrinkled.

Vera couldn't imagine how she looked. She sat up in the bed and began to brush her hair with the hairbrush that sat on the bedside table next to her. Her dark hair sifted through the brush bristles.

"Good morning," Ted said with a groggy voice. She said the same back to him. He mumbled something under his breath and ran a hand through his hair. Vera didn't know what he said. Ted rubbed his face and then his eyes harshly as if rubbing the sleep away.

Vera pulled the tangles out of her hair until it was somewhat smooth and began to braid it back. Ted realized he was watching her carefully. He found himself mesmerized by how quickly her fingers moved to separate the strands and twist them around. She was quiet, and he admired her quiet work.

There were moments like these where he tried to imagine her in her home doing these things. His heart ached to see this perfect setting – Vera comfortable at home. Ted didn't want to leave the bed. It was comfortable and leaving meant getting closer to home. After last night, he realized he cherished being away from home. Of course, he missed his family, but he was having fun traveling with Vera. He enjoyed sharing a living space with her. He enjoyed cracking jokes and making her smile. He enjoyed hearing her footsteps nearby reminding him he wasn't alone. He reveled in the moment – it was a better moment than he had ever shared with Birdie. It was strange and he didn't know what to make of it.

Vera stood out of the bed and began to stretch her muscles. She must have slept in an odd position because her back and shoulders were sore. The bed was still comfortable though. The cold of the floor hit her abruptly and she shivered.

Ted reached to the side of the bed and pulled out another armful of garments tossing them to her. She looked and them and began to unfold them for examination.

"I bought you some new clothes. I thought you might want a fresh change," Ted suggested. Vera whispered a thank you. Ted hummed in reply.

Vera grabbed the clothes and went into the washroom to change. When she came back out, she saw Ted bent over his knapsack packing a few items. He was packing items that had come with the room.

"You really are a thief, aren't you?" Vera laughed.

Ted nodded saying, "They can replace these things. Besides, we will put them to use. They are here for our purposes." He shrugged and threw a bar of soap in the bag.

"It's not stealing if we are paying to use their stuff," he added.

Vera and Ted continued to get ready for the day. They took their time soaking up the inn's amenities and the roof over their heads. Ted suggested they buy something from the bakery before leaving again. She agreed.

Vera made the bed and threw the belly of fabric and straw into the fireplace to burn. They watched the flames consume their fake child. Ted left to pay for the room and came back a few minutes later to fetch Vera. The innkeeper held an odd look on his face when he saw Vera walk out the door.