Golden Melody

Chapter 11.2

Zatariel Wov

His Pov

The van pulled up to the curb, and I turned to Mimi, my heart sinking slightly.
This was it.
Our new home.

"I'm sorry," I said in dismay
"This is all I could afford"

Mimi just smiled, her eyes sparkling with a warmth that melted my apprehension.
"What are you talking about, Riel? It's fine with me."

We stepped out of the van, the cool night air a welcome contrast to the stifling heat of the car.
The houses around us were identical, small and cramped, their white walls gleaming under the streetlights.

I unlocked the gate, the rusty hinges groaning in protest. 

As we walked through the narrow yard, the ground was covered in a thin layer of dust that swirled around our feet, a sign of neglect. The front door creaked open, revealing a small, sparsely furnished living room that felt almost foreign.

"It's... very plain," Mimi said, her voice a soft whisper.

The white walls were bare, and the only furniture was a small, dusty coffee table that seemed to have seen better days.
Three doors lined the wall: two leading to bedrooms and one to a cramped bathroom that doubled as a toilet.

The kitchen was even smaller, a cramped space with a sink, wall cabinet and a counter. 
It was empty, devoid of any utensils or supplies.

"Mimi, this is your room, and mine is next to it. Here's the bathroom.  We don't have our own bathroom in our rooms," I said, my voice strained. 
"Here are the duplicate keys."

I handed her the keys: gate, front door, my room, and her room.  We opened her room first. 
It was just white inside, no bed or cabinet.

"Shit!" I muttered, my heart sinking. 
"I thought there would be at least a bed..."

Mimi giggled, her laughter echoing in the empty room.
She reached out and took my hand.
"Riel, relax.  Honestly, I'm really happy right now. Uhm, you and me... we'll fill this place together. Yes, together, hihi."

She kissed me on the cheek, her touch a spark of warmth in the cold, empty room.
I was left staring blankly, my mind reeling from the harsh reality of our situation.

I immediately remembered the Charmander onesie and the neck pillow in my suitcase. 
I grabbed them and hung the strange cat painting I had in Mimi's room. 
She came in after washing up and changing into a T-shirt and shorts.

"Mimi, you can have this," I said, handing her the onesie.

She just nodded, her smile a beacon of hope in the darkness. 
I stood up to go out and into my room.

I hung the clover painting on my wall, a small reminder of what I hoped to cultivate here.
Then I lay down on the floor, the coldness of the tiles seeping into my bones.

""Shit, it’s cold, dusty, there are mosquitoes, and I can't even explain the smell," I muttered, frustration bubbling up within me.

Getting up again, I opened my backpack to retrieve some clothes, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on me.
I headed to the bathroom, cringing at the sight.

"Shit! No soap!" I exclaimed, glancing around helplessly.
I splashed some water on my face, but it did little to refresh me; my body felt heavy and uncomfortable, like a weight I couldn’t shake off.

I trudged back to my room, sighed deeply, and lay down on the floor again.
I couldn't check the status of this house because we had been locked up for weeks.
It felt like I had failed, but deep down, I knew that we would find a way to turn this empty shell into a home.

It was only 6 in the morning when I woke up, my back aching and a chill running through my body. 

I felt like I was coming down with something. 
I forced myself to get up, the floor cold against my bare feet. 
I washed my face with cold water, the lack of soap and toothpaste a  reminder of our new reality.

I got dressed and peeked at Mimi before heading out. 
She was still asleep, her face peaceful, but I could see the exhaustion etched around her eyes. 
I left the house and went to the 24/7 store near the subdivision, my heart heavy with the responsibility of providing for her.

I bought necessities and groceries: paper plates, disposable cups, forks, and spoons.  I also grabbed a few Japaneshen cakes, hoping to brighten her mood. 
As I walked back, I saw Mimi waiting by the gate, her eyes wide with worry.

"You scared me, Riel," she said, rushing towards me.
"I thought you left me."

"That will never happen, Mimi," I said, taking the groceries from her. 
"I was just getting some things we need."

We went inside and put down the groceries.
I took the paper bag with the cakes and handed it to her. 
She took one and took a bite, her expression a mix of curiosity and amusement.

"They're good," she said, nodding.  "Thank you."

I ate one too, the sweetness and welcome comfort in the otherwise bleak morning. 

We sat in Mimi's room, perched on the floor, our legs dangling over the edge of the empty space where the bed would eventually go. 
We were ordering furniture online, the delivery dates a hope in the midst of our makeshift situation.

"The bed, stove, refrigerator, washing machine, cutlery, and two cabinets will be delivered tomorrow," I said, my voice filled with a mixture of relief and anticipation. 
"The day after tomorrow, our living room set and curtains will arrive."

"Achoo," I suddenly sniffed, my voice muffled. 
"Excuse me."

"I've been noticing you sniffling and sneezing, Riel," Mimi said, her voice laced with concern. 
"You slept last night wearing just that thin shirt, didn't you?"

"It's normal, Mimi. Don't worry," I said, trying to brush it off.

She stood up, her expression stern. 
"You'll get sick, Riel.  You sleep here beside me later.  I'm not letting you sleep on the floor again."

"But Mimi..." I protested, but she just glared at me, her determination unwavering.

"You're going to get sick, and I'm not going to let that happen," she said, her voice firm. 
"You need to take care of yourself."

I sighed, knowing that I couldn't argue with her.  

I needed to take care of myself, especially now that we were starting a new life together.

"Alright, alright," I said, with a smile. 
"I'll listen to you."

Mimi's frown softened, and she smiled back. 
"That's better," she said, her voice laced with affection. 
"Now, come on, let's get some breakfast.  I'm starving."

We went to the kitchen, and Mimi started to prepare breakfast using the paper plates and disposable utensils. 

The kitchen was small, but it was filled with the warmth of her presence and the promise of a new beginning. 

We sat on the floor, leaning against the counter, enjoying our simple meal.