WHEN LOVE RETURNS

CHAPTER 18

While Erica was recovering from her fever, Sam decided to prepare something special for her—a soothing herbal tea. The air in the small house filled with the gentle scent of honey and ginger as he carefully mixed the ingredients, the steam rising like a warm embrace. It was simple, but he hoped it would bring her some comfort.

"Woah, woah, woah! What are you giving me?" Erica's voice cracked the quiet as she looked at him, wide-eyed, as he approached with the steaming cup.

Sam raised an eyebrow, a smirk curling on his lips. "It's herbal tea, princess. It's not poison or some potion."

She quirked an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes. "Now what are you, a faith healer or an albularyo? Where did you find these ideas?"

Sam chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I grew up here, of course. Duh, princess." He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice for dramatic effect. "And if I was an albularyo, I'd brew a potion to make you disappear."

Erica's laugh echoed through the room, the sound light and genuine, despite the lingering weakness she still felt. It feels nice to laugh like this again. "You're joking, right?"

"Just kidding!" he said with a grin, handing her the cup.

She took it, her fingers brushing his for a second as she accepted the tea. After a cautious sip, the warmth spread through her, a wave of comfort settling over her body. I didn't expect this to taste so good. "Hey, this actually tastes good!" she said, taking another sip, savoring the sweetness and the warmth that seemed to seep into her very bones.

As she continued to drink, she looked at Sam thoughtfully, her gaze lingering on him longer than she expected. I can't help but notice how much more comfortable I feel here... with him. "You know, I think I'm starting to love staying here in the rural."

Sam's heart skipped a beat at her words. It wasn't much, but it was enough to give him hope—hope that she was beginning to see the beauty of this place, the peace that he had always cherished. Maybe she's starting to appreciate it, just like I do.

Before he could say anything, Erica's phone buzzed, interrupting the moment. She pulled it from the table, her face lighting up as she read the messages that appeared.

"It's my friends! They're worried about me," she said, her voice bubbling with excitement. She quickly typed a response, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Sam stepped back, respecting her space as she focused on the conversation. She's thinking about the city again. "Tell them I'm fine," Erica said into the phone, her tone brightening. "I miss you guys!"

Her friends' voices echoed through the line. "When are you coming back, Erica?"

"I don't know yet, but as soon as possible," she replied, glancing at Sam before continuing. "I miss city life too."

The words struck Sam harder than he expected. His smile faltered as a heavy feeling settled in his chest. Just like my mother... She'll be gone, lost in her city life again.

He pushed the thought away, but the sting lingered. He didn't want to admit it, but the fear of losing her, just like he'd lost his mother, tightened around his chest.

Erica noticed his change in expression and quickly sat up, lowering the phone. "Sam! Come here," she called out, her voice filled with urgency.

He hesitated, but then walked over, trying to shake off the unease that had gripped him. I can't let that happen. I can't lose her the way I lost my mother. "What's up?"

"I'm inviting you to the riverbank!" she exclaimed, her voice hopeful and bright. "Let's go for a walk."

The offer was a welcome distraction, and Sam nodded, eager to get out of the house for a while. Together, they walked down the path that led to the riverbank, the soft sound of flowing water joining the rustling of leaves in the breeze. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow on the landscape as they settled on the soft grass.