Eternal Echoes ✔

Chapter 31: Morning In the Cabin

As dawn broke, the first rays of sunlight filtered through the broken cabin windows, painting the cabin in hues of gold and amber. One by one, the group stirred from their slumber, greeted by the gentle light of dawn. The fire had burned down to embers.

Thomas stirred awake, his senses slowly returning to him. He blinked away the remnants of sleep, his gaze drifting over his friends, still lost in slumber.

Rachel awakened after him, her eyes fluttering open as she shifted slightly. She sat up, rubbing sleep from her eyes, and offered Thomas a tired but warm smile.

"Morning," she greeted in a hushed tone, mindful not to disturb the others.

"Morning," Thomas replied with a soft smile, returning her greeting.

Michael stirred next, groggily sitting up and rubbing his eyes. He blinked a few times, orienting himself to the dim light filtering through the windows. "Is it morning already?" he mumbled, voice rough with sleep.

"Yeah, looks like it," Rachel replied, giving him an encouraging nod.

Olivia stirred against Thomas's shoulder, her eyes fluttering open slowly. She blinked in the soft light, a small smile forming on her lips as she saw Thomas and Rachel awake.

Daniel and Emily were the last to stir, their movements slow as they emerged from the depths of sleep. Daniel blinked blearily, then glanced at Emily, with a fond smile on his face.

Emily stretched, a soft groan escaping her lips as she sat up, feeling the stiffness in her muscles. "Morning, everyone," she said, her voice still husky with sleep.

"Morning," the murmured replies came from the rest of the group, each greeting accompanied by a tired but genuine smile.

As the group began to wake, Thomas pushed himself up, stretching his arms above his head, feeling the stiffness in his muscles from sleeping on the hard floor. He glanced around the cabin, taking in the serene morning scene.

"Anyone up for getting the fire going again?" Thomas suggested, looking at the dwindled embers.

Michael nodded, already starting to gather some dry wood. "Sure, I'll do it."

Rachel got up, stretching her legs. "I'll help with breakfast then. We should make the most of the daylight."

Olivia yawned, sitting up fully now. "I'll help too!" She offered.

Daniel rose, rubbing his eyes before joining Michael by the fireplace. "I can help."

Both Daniel's and Emily's movements were slower and less energetic than usual. The effects of their previous hypothermia lingered, evident in the occasional shiver and the pale color of their faces.

Rachel noticed this and moved closer to them, concern on her face. "You two okay? You look like you could use more rest," she said softly, her eyes flicking between them.

Daniel gave a tired smile, shaking his head slightly. "We're fine, Rach. Just... taking a bit longer to bounce back."

Emily nodded in agreement, but the fatigue in her eyes was clear.

Thomas walked over and gently squeezed Daniel's shoulder. "You two should focus on recovering," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Michael, having rekindled the fire, joined them, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, just rest up. We've got it all covered."

Reluctantly, Daniel settled back down next to Emily, grateful for their friends' understanding. Rachel handed them each a mug of warm broth, knowing it would help restore some warmth and energy.