Solace

Part VI: Companion

For the next few days, Isabel found her mornings beginning with a comforting routine: Surya's steady presence. Every day, just as dawn began to break, Surya would arrive at her farmhouse to tend her farm. He worked diligently from 6 to 7 AM, planting, weeding, and caring for her crops with a level of dedication that left Isabel both grateful and amazed.

After finishing his work at the farm, Surya would head back to the carpenter's shop to freshen up. Isabel would hear the faintest sounds of him preparing for the day ahead, and she could only imagine the rush he must be in to make it to his job at the lab by 8:30 AM.

As the day progressed, Isabel often saw Surya again, this time arriving at her farmhouse with a basket of fresh fruits or a container of healthy takeaways. He would drop these off with a cheerful smile, chat briefly about his day, and then be on his way, heading back to the lab.

Isabel, feeling a deep sense of gratitude, noticed how exhausted Surya looked some days. One afternoon, as he was about to leave after delivering some freshly picked apples and a warm vegetable stew, she decided to speak up.

"Surya, I really appreciate everything you've done for me," Isabel said, her voice filled with genuine concern. "You've been helping out every day. Don't you get tired?"

Surya paused, looking slightly taken aback. He shuffled his feet for a moment, clearly thinking about his response. "Well, I'm happy to help. Seeing you get better each day makes it worth it. But... if you'd prefer I not come tomorrow, I can respect that."

Isabel looked at him with a mixture of relief and reluctance. "I don't want to push you, Surya. You have your own work and commitments. It might be better for you to focus on that."

Surya shook his head firmly. "No, Isabel. I want to be here. Helping you is important to me. It's not just about the farm; it's about seeing you well again."

There was a moment of silence, and Surya's cheeks flushed a soft pink. He shifted awkwardly, a hint of shyness creeping into his demeanor. "I... I guess I should go now. I'll see you tomorrow."

Isabel watched him, her heart warming at his sincerity. "Thank you, Surya. I really mean it. It means a lot to me."

As Surya left, his cheeks were still tinged with color, and he walked with a slight, almost bashful, smile. Isabel stood on the porch, the gentle breeze rustling her hair as she thought about his words.

Surya's really gone out of his way to help me. I can't believe how kind he's been. It's not just about the farm—it's about him wanting to see me well again.

Isabel smiled to herself, feeling a strange but pleasant flutter in her chest. Surya's dedication and genuine care had not only made her feel better physically but had also touched her deeply on an emotional level.

As she settled back inside, she reflected on the warmth of his actions and the sincerity in his voice. The thought of Surya's kindness and his blushing shyness made her heart feel lighter, and she looked forward to seeing him again the next day.

***

The following Monday greeted Coral Island with warm sunshine and a gentle breeze, filling Isabel with a sense of renewal. As she stood on her porch, she realized she felt completely fine for the first time in days. The dizziness and fatigue had lifted, replaced by a newfound energy that made her eager to get back to work on her farm.

With a smile, Isabel thought about Surya and how dedicated he had been in helping her recover. He had selflessly tended her farm, brought her food, and made sure she was comfortable. Remembering their conversations from the previous week, especially the moment when he shyly admitted that her well-being was important to him, she felt a surge of warmth in her chest.